Decision details

Purpose of Report:  To provide an update on the delivery of a Media Arts Centre in the Guildhall.

Executive are asked to consider a potential proposal for interim use of the Guildhall and the establishment of a new Media Arts Guild.

In order to undertake the review that the new administration have asked for, this item has been deferred to the July Executive.

Resolved:       That the Executive agree:

(i)           A commitment to improved public access to and interpretation of the historic core of the complex – The Guildhall Main Hall, the Council Chamber, a new riverside courtyard garden and historic Common Hall Lane, in accordance with the recent Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid.

(ii)          To continue with ongoing project development work including:  the procurement of a multi disciplinary design team to progress design and development work.

(iii)        To commission a specialist property agent to: establish the value of the commercial riverside elements of the scheme; advise the design team and market test the proposals.  Agree the principle of long leases (typically 25 – 99 yrs) on peripheral elements of the complex (the South Range restaurant and the new build cafe/bar on the north end).

(iv)        To initiate a review of the feasibility work and business case assumptions relating to the office elements of the scheme as presented to Cabinet in December 2014 / and Scrutiny Call-in in January 2015.  Requesting an early report back to Executive in September 2015 on the most commercial and viable options for this element of the complex.

Reasons:   (i)      In the interests of securing improved public access for residents and visitors, for the future, and maximising the civic and community value of the Guildhall through improved understanding and appreciation of its historic significance, aligning with the Mansion House Opening Doors project.

(ii)             To ensure that the optimum beneficial re-use of the complex is properly investigated and that project delivery does not suffer unnecessary delay.

(iii)        In the interests of optimising the value and long term sustainability of a publicly accessible riverside with an attractive commercial offer to complement the inherent historic interest of the complex.

(iv)        In the interests of securing the optimum future value for the council from one of its most significant property assets and minimising delay to the project delivery.