Agenda item

The Panel is asked to consider excluding the public from the meeting under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 for consideration of the appendices for the item on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act

Minutes:

The Executive Director presented the proposals (as attached).  He explained that the Guildhall Informal Working Group had originally come up with the idea for a cinema at the White Barn to generate footfall, however the future of the Guildhall was now going in a different direction and there was the opportunity to pursue this idea for the underused upstairs bar area at the Corn Exchange.

 

The Executive Director provided the Panel with statistics on cinema usage, costs to develop the space and information which had been provided in the consultant’s report.  He commented that the offer would support the leisure offer in the town centre and the evening economy.

 

The Executive Director explained that he had met with the owner of the Majestic Cinema, who was supportive of the proposals for the Corn Exchange, with his reason being that the offers could complement each other and this would also mean that an out of town cinema offer would be more unlikely, which could have a severe detrimental effect on the Majestic Cinema and the night time economy in the town centre.

 

The Executive Director explained that there was the option to create one larger, or two smaller screens in the bar area, with the preferred option being two smaller screens with approximately sixty seats each.  Members’ attention was drawn to the revenue projections and timescales as set out in the presentation.

 

The Chairman thanked the Executive Director for his presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh, the Executive Director explained that the back row of seats would be removable to provide space for wheelchair users.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Crofts, it was confirmed that refreshments would be permitted in the cinema.

 

Councillor Mrs Collingham commented that village cinema clubs were growing in popularity and could be competition for King’s Lynn.  She explained that King’s Lynn Cinema Club currently used the Guildhall and commented that there may be an opportunity for them to use the Corn Exchange.  She also asked for information on the types of films which would be shown.  The Executive Director explained that a variety of films would be shown including Blockbusters which would hopefully be shown when they were first released.  He also explained that he had met with representatives from King’s Lynn Cinema Club who were supportive of the proposals and would potentially be interested in using the facilities.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health, Councillor Mrs Nockolds explained that other options for the cinema could include specialist clubs, Saturday morning clubs, parent and toddler, under 5’s, and film festivals.  There also may be opportunities to work with organisations such as Creative Arts East.

 

Councillor Mrs Collingham commented that it was important to improve the evening offer in King’s Lynn and the cinema offer could also benefit food and beverage businesses in the town centre.

 

Councillor Smith commented that he preferred the option for two screens as there could be more variety.

 

Councillor Wing-Pentelow addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He asked how much the consultant’s report cost to produce.  The Executive Director commented that it cost approximately £9,500 and that the report was important to understand if the project was viable.  In response to further questions from Councillor Wing-Pentelow it was explained that comparisons had been carried out to some other cinemas in the area.  It was also highlighted that the capital cost of the scheme would be approximately £1 million and reference was made to the revenue projections included in the presentation.  It was confirmed that installation of a lift was included in the costs.

 

In response to a question from the Chairman, it was explained that the cinema would be integrated into the Corn Exchange offer.  The existing booking system could be used and staff could ensure that start times were staggered.  It was anticipated that ticket prices would average £7.  The Executive Director explained that the next stage would be design, and experts would be used to ensure that soundproofing was adequate.  It was confirmed that the Corn Exchange was a Listed Building, but Conservation Officers had visited the site and did not anticipate there being a problem.

 

RESOLVED: The Panel supported the proposal for a two screen cinema in the upstairs bar area at the Corn Exchange.

Supporting documents: