A community charity centre that has been offered a new 30-year lease will see its rent rise from £1 to £12,933 for the next three years.

Bridges has enjoyed a peppercorn rental agreement from Monmouthshire County Council in return for a repairing lease arrangement where a tenant is responsible for maintaining the property in good condition, including any necessary repairs or replacements, and for insuring the building.

However, fears not knowing what the remaining 27 year lease cost will be does not provide them with a secure position for financial planning or for major grant applications according to a co-chair of the charity.

Mark Walton explained that Bridges has spent an average of £40,000 a year on repairs, maintenance and to improve its facilities, however, the new agreement will see its rent increase “at a time it is already faced with increasing costs.”

He went on to say: “Bridges has been in negotiation with MCC for over a year regarding the terms of a renewed lease for Drybridge House which expired in March 2025.

“ After the initial huge effort by the community in 2000 to raise £1.4 million to restore the property to a usable state, Bridges has spent an average of £40,000 pa on repairs and maintenance to keep the building fit for purpose and improve its facilities.

“We have offered MCC an alternative proposal of an affordable fixed rent for 30 years but this has not been accepted to date. We hope that a suitable agreement will be possible to be achieved so that Bridges can continue to fulfil its vital function as the centre for community and social activities and services in Monmouth as well as preserving the fabric of an important grade 2* listed building, part of the architectural and historical heritage of Monmouth."

The council have said they are “excited about the ongoing partnership and look forward to developing and delivering activities that benefit the community.

“Following discussions throughout the year, the council has offered Bridges Centre a rental concession grant of 90 per cent for the first year and 85 per cent for the subsequent two years, enabling the continuation of the services it provides to the local community.”

Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Ben Callard, said: "Bridges is a fantastic organisation.

"I'm very pleased that we have been able to offer a new lease that will benefit both sides. Providing the organisation a secure long-term future."

However, Cllr Richard John told the Beacon: “It’s really unprofessional for the council to publish details of what have been private discussions with the trustees of the Bridges Centre while negotiations on a new lease have yet to conclude.

“The Council is proposing an unaffordable increase in their rent, with a rebate only guaranteed for the first three years. The proposed rental increase for a charity on top of £40,000 annual running costs is excessive and could put the future of Monmouth’s jewel in the crown at risk.