Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Long, Rose, Sandell and Storey.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

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Councillors Heneghan, Ring, Dark and Beales declared an interest as Members of the Town Deal Board.  The Deputy Monitoring Officer confirmed that they could still participate in the debate on the Guildhall and Creative Hub.

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

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The Mayor advised that the Mayor of Gallipoli had accepted an invitation to attend the Gallipoli Lunch.

To receive any items of business which in the opinion of the Mayor are urgent. 

None.

(Members are reminded this is a debate, not a question and answer session)

To consider the following recommendation to Council:

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CAB23: GUILDHALL AND CREATIVE HUB

Councillor Ring, seconded by Councillor Beales, proposed the recommendation from the Cabinet Meeting held on 7 July 2025 – Guildhall and Creative Hub.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1.8 Councillor Ring requested to extend the length of his speech.  This was agreed by Council.

Councillor Ring spoke in support of the recommendations highlighting that they had been supported by the Regeneration and Development Panel and brought to Council’s attention by way of an update on the reduction to the funding gap.  Councillor Ring also believed that the funding gap would be further decreased as the project moved forward.

Councillor Ring spoke of the importance of the redevelopment of the Guildhall and the importance of preserving the history and heritage of the area.  He outlined the benefits to young people, volunteers, tourism, the local community and the economy.

Councillor Ring provided detail of the RIBA stages and that Council now had a fully costed and tendered scheme ready for delivery

Councillor Ring outlined the Councils legal obligations to maintain the building.

Councillor Ring summed up his speech by saying how important this project was for the Borough, and that the Council needed to be bold and build for the future.

Councillor Beales, as seconder to the proposal, reserved his right to speak.

The Mayor invited the Group Leaders to contribute to the debate before opening it up to the floor.

Councillor Blunt commented that the Conservative Group had discussed this matter extensively and he would be allowing his Members a free vote on the matter.  He raised concern about the information provided in advance of the Meeting to Councillors and hoped in future consideration could be given to making information available as early as possible.

Councillor Blunt stated that the building was important and special to the Borough and significant in terms of history and heritage.  He stated that if the Council could not support the capital investment how could they expect others to invest in it.

He raised concern relating to the relationship with the National Trust and Leases, but acknowledged the long term economic benefits of the project.

Councillor Bone raised concern that this project could be a burden to the successor organisation, post Local Government Reorganisation, however he supported the proposals as they would bring regeneration opportunities for the whole Borough and stated he had faith in the finances.  He also thanked Councillors and Officers for all their hard work to bring the project forward.  Councillor Bone reiterated the social benefits of the project and stated that Labour Members would be supporting the proposal.

Councillor Kirk felt that more time was needed to digest the information that had been circulated to Councillors in advance of the meeting.  He explained that the Reform Group had concerns relating to funding and costs, but acknowledged that preserving history and heritage was important.  He thanked Councillors and Officers for bringing these proposals forward.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:34