Issue - meetings

This report sets out potential future uses of the Guildhall complex, including its use as the home of a Digital Media Arts Centre, and proposes a plan of action to assess financial viability, establish high level timelines and procurement options.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Delegate to the Assistant Director of Finance Asset Management and Procurement, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services the power to draw down up to £400k from the £1.4m Economic Infrastructure Funds already earmarked for the Digital Media Arts Centre to support the options appraisal and business case development of a mixed use solution for the Guildhall Complex incorporating the establishment of a Digital Media Arts Centre.

(ii)          The demolition of the hutments (subject to planning) and to undertake the necessary archaeological evaluation and excavation.

(iii)        Consult with all Group Leaders and former Lord Mayors in respect of the future use of the Guildhall Complex.

REASON:             To identify new uses for a significant building in the city, to explore opportunities for economically beneficial uses of a key CYC asset and to ensure the effective conservation of a historic building.

Consideration was given to a report which set out potential future uses for the Guildhall complex, which included its use as a Digital Media Arts Centre (DMAC). To assess financial viability, timescales and procurement options a proposed plan of action had been complied. Members were asked to agree to the release of EIF monies for the DMAC to assist in the further development.

The background to and proposals for a DMAC were set out at paragraphs 10 to 20 of the report. Work undertaken by an officer working group on developing ideas for future uses for the Guildhall complex and an indicative timetable for the proposals were set out at paragraphs 24 to 27.

As the Guildhall project aligned with the award criteria for the recently announced Heritage Enterprise Fund it was reported that a bid would be made for contributory grant funding. To facilitate early development work, dedicated Officer time was also required together with demolition works, essential surveys and development appraisals for which a maximum release of £400k was requested from the previously agreed EIF funding.

The Cabinet Member referred to the helpful comment made by the earlier speaker which would be taken into account. It was confirmed that further engagement would be undertaken with organisations that had already expressed an interest in the future of the site and that consultation would be undertaken with the political groups and former Lord Mayors.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Delegate to the Assistant Director of Finance Asset Management and Procurement, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services the power to draw down up to £400k from the £1.4m Economic Infrastructure Funds already earmarked for the Digital Media Arts Centre to support the options appraisal and business case development of a mixed use solution for the Guildhall Complex incorporating the establishment of a Digital Media Arts Centre. ^1.

(ii)          The demolition of the hutments (subject to planning) and to undertake the necessary archaeological evaluation and excavation. ^2.

(iii)        Consult with all Group Leaders and former Lord Mayors in respect of the future use of the Guildhall Complex. ^3.

REASON:             To identify new uses for a significant building in the city, to explore opportunities for economically beneficial uses of a key CYC asset and to ensure the effective conservation of a historic building.