Agenda item

This “Cultural Quarter” Interim Report details the consultation undertaken and the information gathered to date on this review and asks the Committee whether they require any further information/evidence and whether they would like to invite a representative of another Local Authority to address them on this issue.

Consideration was given to an interim report detailing the consultation undertaken so far and the information gathered to date for the “Cultural Quarter” review. The Committee were also asked to consider whether they would like to invite a representative of another Local Authority to address them and if they required any further information or evidence.

Officers guided Members through aspects of the Cultural Quarter Draft Business Plan, including a table highlighting the stakeholder development plans, resources and overall development until 2015. Members commented that the document was useful and it was suggested that an additional section could be added detailing the role City of York Council would be taking in the Cultural Quarter.

General Discussion

Members then discussed the following issues in depth:

• York St John University’s possible inclusion in the Cultural Quarter. Some Members suggested that the studio space and the film archive at the University would be a welcome addition to the Cultural Quarter.

• Some Members held the view that as St. Johns University was currently outside of the proposed Cultural Quarter boundary area it should not be included at this stage.

• Members queried if they were able to move the “red line” which defines the area included in the Cultural Quarter. Officers confirmed they could make the recommendation to increase the area if they thought it necessary.

• City of York Council’s role in the process, and the need for the Council to be clear about how they are going to be involved.

• The pros and cons of building a new pedestrian bridge across the river.

• That the Cultural Quarter needs to appeal to tourists and residents.

• Members discussed the issue of the term “Cultural Quarter” and the need to differentiate between the concept and the name of the area.

• Members discussed the recent public response to the project in the local newspaper.

Officers highlighted the 4 main areas which they felt this review should focus on to enable progression:

• A master plan for the public realm.
• A river crossing as part of the York North West plans.
• Funding for the Cultural Quarter.
• A Business Plan for the agreed Cultural Quarter.

Members discussed the public consultation day and how this would be useful to tackle the misconceptions reported in the local press. Members queried if a press release should be issued in response to the newspaper article and residents letters.

RESOLVED:             (i) That further information was required

(ii) To approve the timetable for preparing the draft final report with the following amendments:¹

(iii) That a representative from another Local Authority be invited to address Members. The preferred Authority would be Sheffield^.2

REASON:                  To ensure the progression of this review and compliance with scrutiny procedures, protocols and work plans.