Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the previous meeting, held on 29 January 2019, were agreed as an accurate record.

Report of Head of Transformation

The Sub Committee considered the report of the Head of Transformation in relation to the Princess Royal Theatre for the period 2018/19.

Members were pleased to note that the venue subsidy/deficit had decreased substantially from £127,539 in 2014/15 to £43,740 in 2018/19.  This was due in part to a change in the way the Authority paid for the acts in the theatre whereby there was a 20%/80% split in ticket sales, between the Authority and the agent.

(At this point in the meeting, Councillor H.N.James disclosed his interest as he is president of the Briton Ferry Musical Theatre).

Members asked whether there were any plans to refurbish the Princess Royal Theatre and were advised that it was hoped to undertake some refurbishment particularly the carpet and stage area.  It was seen as necessary to carry out some refurbishment in order to continue to attract acts to the venue. 

Members advised that they had received some complaints from members of the public that the bar closed too early after performances – this would be considered by Officers.

Officers were asked whether, in their opinion the Theatre could be in profit in the next four years and advised that, with some refurbishment, this was a possibility.  There were plans to change one of the ground floor bar areas into a shop which would hopefully increase profit.

Members asked that they be informed when the decision regarding the possible allocation of finances for the refurbishment would be made.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

The Sub Committee was advised that two monitoring reports in relation to the increased parking charges at the Gnoll Park and Afan Argoed had not been ready for consideration at today’s meeting and agreed that they be reported to the Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 June for consideration. 

In relation to the report on the Pontardawe Arts Centre, this would be considered by the Sub Committee in June.

Noted.