Agenda item

The Principal Project Surveyor provided the Panel with an update on the King’s Lynn Arts Centre Complex as attached.  The Panel was provided with an overview of the history of the Arts Centre, the different buildings which comprised the centre and current issues and problems.  Members of the Panel had been invited on a tour of the Arts Centre prior to the meeting.

The Chairman thanked the Principal Project Surveyor for his presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Crofts explained that he felt the buildings were under used and asked if consideration had been given to holding antique fairs in the Arts Centre.  The Principal Project Surveyor explained that consideration had been given to dividing the White Barn into workshop spaces and other options could be considered in the future.

Councillor Mrs Collingham commented that it was important to introduce a commercial Management Structure to the Arts Centre to make it economically viable, whilst underpinning the Arts.

In response to a question from Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh, it was explained that the next stage was to engage with stakeholders and review options with a view to presenting them to Members in March 2016.  Subject to Member approval it was proposed that an initial project enquiry be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in spring 2016.  The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health explained that she had already spoken to some stakeholders regarding the future of the Arts Centre.

Councillor Bubb commented that there was lack of connectivity between the buildings and one solution could be to put a roof or canopy over the centre of the complex.

Councillor Mrs Watson commented that the Arts Centre appealed to a niche group of regular users who felt ownership of the space.  She explained that it was important to open up the space and raise awareness that it was open for everyone to enjoy.  She asked if it would be possible to show a plan of the Arts Centre complex in other Council owned buildings which could also advertise events and encourage people to visit the complex.

The Executive Director explained that as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund application it would have to be proven that there was public support for the project, so the public would be engaged in the consultation process of the Council determined to proceed.

Councillor Tilbury asked if any draft proposals had been considered and asked why upset the current operation of the Arts Centre.  The Chairman explained that the current complex was under used and could be better utilised.  Proposals would look at how to maximise the use of the space and become commercially viable.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Industrial Assets explained that everyone had different ideas on the future of the Arts Centre and the next stage would be to engage with stakeholders.  He commented that the Arts Centre was not widely visible from the street and needed to be opened up in order to draw people to the site.  He felt that the Arts Centre needed to be commercial, but a sensitive approach was required to underpin the Arts offer.  He felt that the Arts Centre was a hidden gem.

The Vice Chairman, Councillor Mrs Wright felt that the complex comprised an exciting group of buildings and agreed that a commercial approach was necessary whilst underpinning the Arts.  She commented that she would be hesitant of an Arts Council National Portfolio Funded approach.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Industrial Assets reminded those present that the availability of funding was uncertain at the moment and would be required in order to make it sustainable.

In response to a question from Councillor Crofts, the Executive Director explained that nothing had been ruled out at this stage and there was the potential that part of the venue could be utilised as a wedding venue.  The Town Hall was currently in high demand as a venue and often fully booked; the Arts Centre could be a good alternative venue and would be commercially viable.

RESOLVED: (i) The update was noted.

(ii) The Panel to be kept updated on progress.