Agenda item

Note – Essential Reference Papers B1 and B2 are enclosed for Members only as they contain exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.  In considering these matters, the meeting may exclude the press and public as detailed at item 12.

The Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing submitted a report on a proposed capital development of Hertford Theatre to improve the vibrancy of the town economically and socially.  The report detailed a number of options.  The report highlighted key areas of risk for the Council. 

The Theatre Director and Arts Advisor gave Members a detailed and informative presentation about the theatre’s past and current successes and patronage over the last eight years explaining why the development of the theatre now was essential in terms of its long term viability and so that it could continue to improve upon its cultural achievements.  It was also felt that its development would create a dynamic hub of knowledge and heritage offering the visitor diverse experiences. 

The Theatre Director provided a summary of the proposals, as detailed in the report, for the cinema, main auditorium, The Studio, Café/bar and The Motte and connections to Castle Gardens.  He sought Members’ support for the Option for “Growth and Legacy” in order to support social and economic viability and highlight the Council as an exemplar in supporting cultural development.

The Committee Chairman reminded Members that Essential Reference Papers B1 and B2 contained exempt information and that if Members wished to discuss the information contained therein, a motion to exclude the press and public would need to be moved.

While praising the presentation and the content of the report, Councillor B Deering queried what consultation had been undertaken and that the report made no suggestion of any Member involvement in the development of proposals.   Councillor Deering suggested that the recommendation be amended to reflect this.  Councillor G Cutting supported this proposal.  He sought and was provided with clarification about the loan arrangements and echoed concerns about parking.

Councillor Deering thanked the theatre team for their excellent work in making the theatre such a success.  He supported Councillor Cutting’s concerns regarding parking generally and the need to protect the ancient condition of The Motte.  

The Head of Operations reminded Members that expansion proposals for Hertford Theatre were agreed in the Service Plan in March 2018.  She explained what consultation had been carried out, including with Hertford Town Council and acknowledged local parking difficulties.  It was noted that negotiations were taking place locally with a supermarket to use parking facilities and the Theatre would be trying a number of initiatives in the hope that it would incentivise theatre users not to use their cars.

Councillor N Symonds expressed her concerns about parking at the theatre generally and arrangements for those with disabilities.  The Theatre Director and Arts Advisor acknowledged the problem and explained the restrictions in being able to provide disabled parking on site.  She sought and was provided with clarification regarding the lifespan of theatre subsidies. 

The Head of Operations provided a general overview of the financial modelling and loan arrangements proposed.

Councillor H Drake referred to the new experiences being offered by Curzon Cinemas which offered the visitor a different type of cinema experience.

Councillor J Jones supported the opportunity for the Council and the theatre and was surprised to hear that proposals had developed to the stage they had.  Councillor D Andrews supported the proposal and cited examples of other cinemas within half an hour’s drive which had multiple screens and better parking arrangements.  He raised concerns about using St Andrew’s Car Park for patrons and referred to the need to see stronger figures in terms of income generation. 

At 8:15pm it was moved by Councillor M Allen and seconded by Councillor M Casey that a motion to exclude the press and public be moved.  Upon being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED. 

Members sought and were provided with clarification in relation to the exempt papers in terms of issues in relation to the pay- back period and the project in terms of it being a major capital investment.  A Member suggested the need to balance this against smaller quicker wins which might be better received by residents.

The press and public were later re-admitted to the meeting and Members discussed the positive feedback on a new initiative which the theatre had introduced including “pay what you feel” aimed at encouraging those from harder to reach backgrounds to pay after a performance. 

Members expressed their appreciation to the Theatre Director and Arts Advisor for his engaging and comprehensive presentation.

It was moved by Councillor I Devonshire and seconded by Councillor G Cutting that the project be supported by increased Member involvement.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the recommendation was declared CARRIED.

It was moved by Councillor B Deering and seconded by Councillor G Cutting that the recommendations as amended and detailed be supported.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the recommendations were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Executive be advised that Members support(A)          investment on the basis of the preferred “Growth and Legacy” option, as now detailed; and

(B)   increased Member involvement in the project .

(Councillors S Bull, M Casey, B Deering and N Symonds requested that their abstention from voting be noted).