Agenda item

That the Committee:

1.   approves the submission of a planning application for the new Performance Arts Venue, comprising the former Corn Exchange and Scala Theatre and the Angel Place public conveniences;

2.   authorises officers to commence a procurement process to seek a construction partner to deliver the new Performance Arts Centre;

3.   approves the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in 6 Angel Place to support the delivery of the new Performance Arts Centre with terms delegated to the Corporate Director – Finance & Resources in collaboration with the Chair and Vice Chairs of this Committee;

4.   authorises officers to explore additional funding routes to meet the costs of the delivery of the new Performance Arts Centre;

5.   notes that a further report will be brought to Committee for final decisions on the construction contract and funding package early next year; and

6.   notes the plans for continuing the dialogue with community arts representatives regarding the future of the Swan Theatre.

The Committee considered a report on progress with the development of a new Performance Arts Venue at the former Corn Exchange and Scala Theatre in Angel Street. The Managing Director presented the report and set out the background to the scheme, following the successful award of Future High Street Funding in December 2020. He highlighted the progress made since the award with regard to property acquisition and design, and explained a number of key decisions that were now required in support of the continued development of the project. These include progression of the planning application, the commencement of the procurement process, acquisition of a neighbouring property, future funding options and continuing the dialogue with community arts representatives.

The Managing Director explained the progress which had been made with the proposed building design. There had been a meeting with key stakeholders across the city on 13 July 2022 to discuss the emerging design proposals. The architectural team had received productive comments to the draft plans and these were being considered in the preparation of the final drawings for the planning application.

A briefing note had been circulated to Committee Members prior to the meeting, setting out a number of proposed revisions to the scheme made by the design team as a result of the feedback from the stakeholder consultation. This included:

·        Flexible positioning of the stage front and proscenium to provide the facilities requested by the Swan’s community theatre groups.

·        More dressing room space in the Scala scheme, which can be flexibly to accommodate storage.

·        An increased stage size to provide a soft cross-over. Theatreplan are assessing the option for including a fixed cross-over. 

·        Constructing the pit and forestage from flexible steel deck so that an orchestra pit can be provided. 

Dialogue with stakeholders, and in particular those representing the community arts organisations, was continuing with a further event scheduled for 15 September 2022. Once these discussions had concluded, it was proposed to submit the planning application.

The Committee were recommended to grant authority to start the procurement process for a construction contractor as early as possible. The Council’s professional advisors proposed a two-stage process under which the Council and its appointed contractor will work together to develop detailed cost proposals, following which the Council will have the option of deciding whether to proceed with the proposals or whether a different approach will need to be taken.

Reference was made to the opportunity to acquire a long leasehold interest in no. 6 Angel Place. The property could provide additional office accommodation to support the future operation of the Arts Venue at first floor level, and a ground floor retail unit which could be utilised for a number of purposes including theatre storage. Negotiations were underway and the Committee’s approval was sought to the principle of acquisition within the FHSF budget.

The report explained that the global rise in material and construction costs was affecting the overall cost budget for the construction of the new venue. The report set out measures being taken to address this. Officers will continue to explore additional sources of funding to further subsidise the development.

Officers responded to questions and comments from Committee Members. In the ensuing discussion, the following main points were made:

·        Officers will continue to explore options to bring the former Co-op building back into use and how to access alternative funding streams to support this.

·        A further report will be presented to Members with recommendations for the future of the Swan Theatre.

·        Members acknowledged that increased material and construction costs are affecting the overall budget and expressed support for continuing to explore additional sources of funding.

In conclusion, Members expressed the view that this scheme remains a key priority for regeneration of the City Centre in accordance with the City Masterplan. Officers and the architectural design team should continue to engage in dialogue with key stakeholders, including local arts organisations, in preparing the final designs for the planning application.

RESOLVED: That the Committee agree to:

1.    approve the submission of a planning application for the new Performance Arts Venue, comprising the former Corn Exchange and Scala Theatre and the Angel Place public conveniences;

2.    authorise officers to commence a procurement process to seek a construction partner to deliver the new Performance Arts Centre;

3.    approve the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in 6 Angel Place to support the delivery of the new Performance Arts Centre with terms delegated to the Corporate Director – Finance & Resources in collaboration with the Chair and Vice Chairs of this Committee;

4.    authorise officers to explore additional funding routes to meet the costs of the delivery of the new Performance Arts Centre;

5.    note that a further report will be brought to Committee for final decisions on the construction contract and funding package early next year; and

6.    note the plans for continuing the dialogue with community arts representatives regarding the future of the Swan Theatre.