Agenda item

Pontardawe Arts Centre Business Plan and Cinema Development

Head of Transformation

Minutes:

 

Members received information on a new business Plan for Pontardawe Arts Centre and for the Head of Transformation to be granted authority to engage with the Arts Council for Wales to secure a capital grant towards the cost of a new cinema development at Pontardawe Arts Centre.

 

Members commended the officers for this report and were pleased that the friends had taken an interest and there was full engagement. Officers highlighted that the fiends have been an integral part to the process and contributed to the Business plan.

 

Members queried about what the design of the cinema would be. Officers explained that the design team would make sure that the design is fit for purpose.

 

Members asked were there much activity at Pontardawe Arts Centre weekly. Officers confirmed that the theatre was a very busy building as it was utilised most weekends by dance and drama groups. It was also noted that the studio and bar area are used to its maximum capacity.

 

Members referred to point 3 in appendix 1 to the report ‘employ sustainable strategies that reduce the operating subsidy achieving a zero subsidy over time’ and asked will this be a policy that will be equal to all leisure facilities. Officers explained that there had been a reduction in the Princess Royal theatres investment as the venue has a higher capacity and high profile artists. It was noted that the cinema would assist in the reduction of the subsidy.

 

Cllr. Richards asked about point 3 in appendix 1 to the report ‘employ sustainable strategies that reduce the operating subsidy achieving a zero subsidy over time’ and asked

 

Members asked for clarity on the timescales of the development. Officers explained that discussions would take place the first two weeks of December with the Arts Council, then depending on the assessment of procurement there could be a completion date for the end of 2020.

 

Members highlighted their concern in relation to the reduction of subsidy affecting the staffs pay.

 

Members questioned the marketing of the venue. Officers explained that there had previously been a survey on marketing which highlighted the importance of brochures still being available as social media isn’t accessible to everyone. However, it was noted that social media plays a part in marketing as parents would be tagged in Facebook posts which promotes classes that are available at the venue.

 

Members commended the officers for the work they had achieved and highlighted that local officer and Members know the theatre the best, however appreciate receiving new ideas.

 

Members discussed and agreed to ask Cabinet Board to consider including an additional recommendation for the Business Consultant to guide the rate of progress towards a zero subsidy.

 

Therefore following scrutiny, it was agreed that Cabinet Board be asked to consider the following recommendations:

 

1.    That the Pontardawe Arts Centre Business Plan as attached to the circulated report be approved;

 

2.    That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Transformation to commence a procurement exercise in partnership with the Arts Council for Wales, to engage a business consultant at a cost of circa £12,500 and for authority to be granted to enter into any contractual arrangements associated with this arrangement;

 

3.    That the rate of progress towards a zero subsidy be guided by the analysis of the business consultant.

 

 

 

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