Agenda item

This report provides an overview of the background information on the proposals, as developed to date, for the future use of the Guildhall complex.  Members are asked to note the information provided and agree to a future meeting with external consultees, to enable Members views to feed into a future Executive report on the possible commercially viable uses for the complex.

Consideration was given to an overview report of the background information on the proposals, as developed to date, for the future use of the Guildhall complex, including a summary of the key points, events and milestones. It was noted that a further meeting of the Committee would take place on Wednesday 16 September with external consultees to enable Members to feed into the Executive report on the possible commercially viable uses for the complex.

The Guildhall Project Manager reminded the Committee that the project had been put on hold pending preparation of a robust business case and examination of other commercially viable uses for the Guildhall complex. He confirmed that a further report on the four proposed options for the future use of the Guildhall together with an analysis of potential viability, including details of Gross Value Added (GVA) in respect of each would be provided at the Committee’s next meeting on 16 September and that the Committee’s comments would be taken into consideration by the Executive at their October meeting.

The Project Manager also updated Members that the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, submitted in May 2015, for additional project funding had been unsuccessful. However an in principle offer of £1m had been received from the Leeds City Region LEP towards the delivery of a Digital Media Arts Centre.

Members expressed concern that the additional analysis information would not be circulated prior to the next meeting and referred to consideration of a possible additional option of relocating Democratic and Civic Services to the Guildhall to provide additional space at West Offices for the use of partners.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved: (i)       That the background and introductory information provided in the report and at Annex A be received and noted.

(ii)        That the information on the four proposed options for the future use of the Guildhall, together with the analysis of the potential viability of each be circulated to Members prior to the 16 September meeting, to allow consideration prior to the meeting.

Reason:     To ensure cross party feedback into the Executive’s consideration of the future development of the Guildhall complex.