Issue - meetings

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Officers presented the report which had been included in the agenda and summarised the business case for St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub project for approval by Cabinet in the Council’s capacity as the “Accountable Body” to MHCLG and as part of the Council’s role on the Town Deal Board.

A copy of the presentation is attached.

The Guildhall Complex and Creative Hub Task Group had met the day before this meeting to consider the Business Case.  The Chair of the Task Group, Councillor Nockolds provided a summary of the Task Group discussion, which had also been circulated to the Panel in advance of the meeting.  She explained that the Task Group generally supported the proposals, with their main concern being that more detail of the Creative Hub needed to be included in the Business Case.

The Chair thanked Officers and Members for their reports and invited questions and comments from the Panel as summarised below.

Councillor Morley who was on the Task Group commented that the main issue was the visibility of the Creative Hub within the Business Case.  He also felt that a letter of support from the College of West Anglia would be beneficial to support the educational packages.  Councillor Morley also highlighted the financial risk to the Borough Council should the CIO fail.

The Assistant Director explained that more information on the Creative Hub could be included in future documents.

Councillor de Whalley who was on the Task Group explained that he had raised concern with the visitor numbers, timescales, and the future of the Creative Hub.

In response to questions from Councillor Moriarty, it was explained that the nature of the site meant that it could be developed in phases and the project could be scaled down if full funding was not awarded.  Other funding opportunities would also be explored.  It was explained that the Business Case had been presented for Independent Assessment, which had come back as satisfactory.  The Town Deal had also agreed the draft business case.

In response to a question from Councillor Jones, it was explained that a variety of groups would be engaged in activities.

Councillor Nockolds, Chair of the Task Group, informed the Panel that once the CIO had been established they would have the opportunity to bid for funding which was only available to Charitable organisations.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  She supported the project which would benefit residents of the Borough, raised concerns about finances and commented that improvements to the Ferry landing was required.  It was confirmed that improvements to the Ferry were not part of this project and there was a local assurance framework process which had to be signed off by the S151 Officer.

Councillor Hudson addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and was informed that revenue detail was included in the paperwork.

The Chair commented that she was keen for the project to include activities for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27

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The Task Group considered the Cabinet report and additional documents that had been circulated in relation to the Business Case for the St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub project and made the following comments.

Councillor Crofts broadly supported the project and felt that it was important that it was well marketed and needed to be cost effective.  He made reference to commercial elements and that lessons should be learned from the previous failed HLF bid.  King’s Lynn as a Heritage Centre needed to be promoted as a whole.  Councillor Crofts explained that he was keen on promoting coach trips into the town centre and this project could be a catalyst for this.  Information was provided from officers on the CIO business plan and marketing support.

Councillor Morley commented that the Guildhall was a huge attraction and needed to be refurbished and operating as a performing arts complex based on Shakespeare’s connections and its history.  He stated that experts had judged that the figures presented were the best estimates and we had to support these. However, the benefits of a creative hub did not appear to be evidenced in the case and it was difficult to envisage what will be happening in the hub to add value to the whole complex and the symbiotic or holistic relationship is not clear or explained. 

The Chair, Councillor Nockolds made reference to the rental opportunities and how they related to creativity and activities relating to the development of skills.

Officers provided information on the attendance estimates and explained that these included school visits and school performances.  The Portfolio Holder reminded Members that this plan had been through the Town Board and a lot of work had been carried out to forecast attendances and income.  An Independent Appraisal report had also been conducted and found the Business Case to be satisfactory.

The Task Group discussed the Creative Hub and it was acknowledged, that going forward, more promotion within the business case would be of benefit to highlight how the Hub would achieve the outputs required.

Councillor Hudson, who was attending the meeting remotely, under Standing Order 34 commented that the attraction should be based on William Shakespeare.  It was explained that Shakespeare would be a feature, but the venue needed to be flexible so that a range of performances and activities could take place.

It was explained to the Task Group that co-ordination with the MUCH would take place.

In response to questions from Councillor de Whalley, it was explained that the Business Case and Business Plan were two separate documents and the Business Plan had already been approved.  It was also noted that the HLF was a separate application process and was not related to the Business Case.  With regard to the footfall estimates and information on volunteers within the Business Case it was explained that these were modelled with information provided by relevant organisations such as NMS.

Councillor Ryves addressed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7