Decision details

Purpose of Report: To ask Cabinet to approve the procurement of a commercial partner to facilitate the creation of a digital media and arts centre in the Guildhall complex.

Members are asked to note the progress made in developing the project to date, following Cabinet approval of the development fund 16 July 2013, and to approve the procurement of a commercial partner to work alongside the Council in further developing and delivering the project.

This item has been slipped to the July Cabinet to allow further discussions in respect of the development and delivery of the project.

This item has been slipped to the September Cabinet to allow further work and discussions on the proposals.

This decision has been deferred until October Cabinet due to an announcement from the national funding body about the award of a grant not being received on the date anticipated. 

This decision has been deferred until November Cabinet to enable the proposals to respond to the most recent feasibility thinking and updated funding context.

This decision will now be taken at December Cabinet due to the cancellation of the November meeting.

This decision will now be taken by Cabinet at their rescheduled meeting on 16 December.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the progress made with the project.

(ii)          Progress on the basis of Option 3 as outlined in the report.

(iii)        The procurement of a design team for the Digital Media Arts Centre.

(iv)        The procurement of an operating partner to take forward and develop plans for a DMAC in the Guildhall complex.

(v)         Release a further £500k from the Economic Infrastructure Fund to fund the detail design of the scheme and gain statutory approvals, and fund specialist finance, procurement and legal support where needed.

(vi)        Undertake a public consultation to feed into the future design and business case development.

(vii)      The proposals as set out at paragraphs 48-50 of the report, for interim use / urgent works with a draw down of up to £90k from the Capital Scheme already committed for the Guildhall roof.

Reason:     To ensure the refurbishment and reuse of the Guildhall whilst securing the future use of a historically significant building, supporting the growing creative digital media sector and increasing Gross Value Added for local businesses and boosting the economy.