Issue - meetings

Councillor Buckmaster submitted a report on the progress of the theatre expansion work and business plan for the Hertford Theatre Growth and Legacy Scheme.  The report requested additional funding of £6.4mn for the delivery of the scheme. 

Councillor Buckmaster drew Members’ attention to the detailed explanation for the additional funding as set out in the report, which included for structural reasons replacing the existing building.  Additional funding of £6.4m was sought.  Councillor Buckmaster explained that following analysis of the original costs and additional information arising from a more comprehensive understanding of the design and build requirements, the existing building structure and external market information and influences, a number of revised cost requirements, over and above those captured in the £13.5mn figure for the original design, had been identified.  He said whilst the additional costs of £6.4m were a significant increase on the agreed funding, the business case demonstrated a strong return on investment.  On completion, Hertford Theatre would deliver an operational result of £1,244,372m per year, and after support service costs and the increased capital charges, the Theatre would operate with a surplus and would bring a contribution to the Council of + £110,201 per year.

Councillor Buckmaster proposed recommendation (A) in the report, and subject to the consent of his seconder, and the consent of the meeting, said he now proposed an additional recommendation (B), “to provide the range of good value and free activities for vulnerable and hard to reach audiences, and ensures a pricing structure that was reflective of the new and expanded offer and endeavoured to keep price increases to a minimum”. 

Councillor G Williamson gave his consent to the alteration of the motion to support the recommendation, as seconder.

The Chairman asked for the meeting to signify consent to the alteration, which was given.

Councillor Redfern asked a question regarding the ability to use royalties.

Rhys Thomas said amended royalty rights were measured against the capacity of the auditorium. 

Councillor S Bell sought an explanation regarding the alteration of the motion. 

The Democratic Services Manager said the Council's standing orders provided that a Member could alter the wording of his or her motion with the consent of the seconder and the consent of the meeting. 

Councillor G Williamson, as seconder, said he supported this project. 

Councillor A Curtis said Members should bear in mind the cultural enhancement the project would bring. 

Councillor S Bell proposed an amendment to the recommendation.   She said this project sought to provide a valuable community asset, and this development should have the ethos of a project that was delivered ultimately to benefit the residents of Hertford and the surrounding area.  In order to ensure the Council recognised the importance of amateur and not for profit groups within the community and to ensure that the Theatre remained affordable and accessible to those groups following its refurbishment, she proposed that the motion be amended to add the following wording as recommendation (B):  “The higher rates for all amateur and not for profit  ...  view the full minutes text for item 181