Minutes:
The Executive Director, Commercial Services provided the Panel with an update on the Heritage Lottery Fund Grant Application for St George’s Guildhall. He explained that, because of the funding required for the project, the bid application would have to be submitted at national level rather than regional level. The deadline for submission of the bid was the 8th December 2016. The Executive Director explained that it was important to hit the 8th December funding deadline as a separate application for funding would also be made to the Arts Lottery, and if this was successful any funds awarded would have to be spent before 2019.
The Panel was informed that a decision on the Guildhall from the Heritage Lottery Fund was expected in March/April 2017.
Councillor Mrs Nockolds, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health explained that meetings with user groups had been held and they were generally supportive of the proposals and the user groups had agreed to come together to write a formal letter of support. She explained that the seating proposed for the Guildhall would provide the flexibility for numerous layouts, which should hopefully cater for most of the user groups and a flat floor layout would also be available. The Portfolio Holder also explained that meetings had been held with Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company who could potentially use the spaces available for workshops etc. and they had been consulted on accessibility.
The Chairman thanked the Executive Director and Portfolio Holder for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.
In response to a question, the Portfolio Holder explained that consultation with the user groups had had a positive outcome as now a solution, which was suitable for all, had been proposed. She explained that the Heritage Lottery Fund would want the Council to work with the local community and user groups and take their views into consideration.
The Executive Director explained that as part of the project work to the Fermoy Gallery would be carried out to bring it up to standard to accommodate National Exhibitions.
In response to a question, the Executive Director explained that the Council leased the Guildhall from the National Trust and the Council had been in regular contact with the National Trust regarding the proposals. The Executive Director explained that repair work to the Guildhall would be required in the future and the Heritage Lottery Fund application would assist in taking the cost of the works away from the Council. Councillor Howland asked if there was the option to purchase the Guildhall from the National Trust and the Executive Director agreed to investigate if this was a possibility.
The Executive Director explained that if the Stage one bid was successful, a Stage two submission would follow, however, if the Arts Lottery bid application was successful, the Council may have to do some work in advance, as the Arts Lottery money would have to be spent within a certain timescale.
RESOLVED: The update was noted.