Issue - items at meetings - Condition Report and Short Term Options for Investment in the Guildhall

The report outlines the findings of a building survey of the Guildhall complex and considers the short, medium and long term strategy for the building.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i) That the Corporate Landlord be directed to review, consider and present options for the future use and management of the Guildhall, and that the review should include the issues identified in the body of this report;

(ii) That the Corporate Landlord be directed to prepare a business plan that takes account of the review and includes a medium to long-term plan for investment in this building complex;

(iii) That Option A be recommended as their preferred option for responding to identified repair and maintenance needs.

(iv) That Option A be recommended as their preferred option for responding to identified DDA needs.

(v) That the upgrading of the incoming mains and additional power sockets to the main hall be recommended as their preferred option for responding to identified minor improvement needs.

(vi) That the cost of hiring sound systems for the Guildhall and whether any funds would be available to purchase a new sound system be investigated.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED: That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON: To discharge the council’s immediate and statutory maintenance requirements until the Corporate Landlord presents the report on the medium to long term strategy of the building.

To discharge the council’s immediate and statutory DDA requirements until the Corporate Landlord presents the report on the medium to long term strategy of the building.

To improve the health and safety and user experience of the Guildhall. Other enhancements should be deferred until the medium to long term strategy of the building has been agreed.

Members considered a report which outlined the findings of a building survey of the Guildhall complex and considered the short, medium and long term strategy for the building.

The report advised Members that they would have to consider the short-term strategy (3 years) and the medium to long-term strategy for the Guildhall complex. As part of the short term strategy, Members considered the three identified needs of this building complex and the options available:-

1. Options for Repair and Maintenance

o A - Priority 1 works only

o B - Priority 1 and 2 works

o C – Priority 1 and a selection of those listed under priority 2 in annex A

2. Options for DDA requirements

o A – Priority 1 works only

o B – Priority 1 and 2 works

o C – A selection of works from those listed under priority 1 and 2 in annex B

3. Options for minor improvements to support current levels of use

o A – Do nothing

o B – Do all of the works identified in Table 3

o C – Do a selection of works from those listed in Table 3 in the report

Members queried about the type, operation and costings of the lifts that would be replacing the existing platform lift and ramp, and whether they would be aiming for level 3 inclusion or higher. Officers reported that they would investigate the proposed new lifts and why the existing platform lift and ramp were not up to DDA standards, and email Members with their findings.