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.
Supporting documents:
- Pontardawe Arts Centre Business Plan, item 5. PDF 152 KB
- Business plan 2018 - 20 Revised (2), item 5. PDF 776 KB
- Appendix 2 ACW Funding Agreement 2018-19, item 5. PDF 264 KB