Agenda item

Resolved to:

·         Support the principle of developing a capital investment project to save a maximum value of up to £779,314 in Neuadd Dwyfor in order to improve the provision and facilities, to improve opportunities to raise income and ensure user safety;

·         Recognise the risk of losing income as a result of closing the Neuadd during the construction work if it goes ahead;

·         Support the allocation of a one-off contribution from the Council’s Transformation fund for the investment - namely up to £570,000 (capital);

·         Support the re-profiling of savings as agreed originally for the profile outlined in table 8.1;

·         Support the submission of applications to external bodies in an attempt to reduce the Council's contribution and to maximise the Council's investment value;

·         Support the task of identifying and collaborating with local partnerships and organisations that could support the Neuadd to reach the full saving target of £100,000 in the medium term after the investment - by setting them a challenge to reduce the financial deficit and to assist the Council to make a permanent saving of £100,000 in the budget by 2025.

Submitted by Cllr. Gareth Thomas

DECISION

Resolved to:

·         Support the principle of developing a capital investment project to save a maximum value of up to £779,314 in Neuadd Dwyfor in order to improve the provision and facilities, to improve opportunities to raise income and ensure user safety;

·         Recognise the risk of losing income as a result of closing the Neuadd during the construction work if it goes ahead;

·         Support the allocation of a one-off contribution from the Council’s Transformation fund for the investment - namely up to £570,000 (capital);

·         Support the re-profiling of savings as agreed originally for the profile outlined in table 8.1;

·         Support the submission of applications to external bodies in an attempt to reduce the Council's contribution and to maximise the Council's investment value;

·         Support the task of identifying and collaborating with local partnerships and organisations that could support the Neuadd to reach the full saving target of £100,000 in the medium term after the investment - by setting them a challenge to reduce the financial deficit and to assist the Council to make a permanent saving of £100,000 in the budget by 2025.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, in which it was noted that the building housed a theatre, cinema and library in Pwllheli and that no substantial investment had been made in the building or its resources since 1996. It was reported that attempts had been made in 2013-14 to transfer the Hall to another organisation, but no agreement could be reached due to the high refurbishment costs.

It was noted that the decision entailed an investment in the building, and that a portion of the funding had been confirmed. It was added that this funding would improve facilities and generate opportunities to work with other partners in the area.

It was noted that building also housed the Library, and that historically the management of the building and the library had been performed by two separate post-holders. It was emphasised that since December, both teams now reported to the same manager. The Assistant Head of Culture highlighted that consultation work had taken place in order to ascertain the aspirations of local residents, and that this consultation had formed the basis of the business plan. The Libraries Service Manager added that the changes introduced, and those hoped to be made, would ensure that the whole building operated more efficiently, with teams working closer together and the possibility arising to extend the library's opening hours.

The Local Member reported that the building was used for much more than the cinema, and that the Council's investment in the building provided a way forward. He added that should the Council decide to close Neuadd Dwyfor, there would be substantial costs involved in the maintenance of the building. He added that the National Eisteddfod would be held in the area in 2021, and that use would be made of the building during the week. He emphasised that Neuadd Dwyfor was much-loved by residents of the area, and that there was value in retaining and investing in it.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾  It was reported that many young people were employed as staff in Neuadd Dwyfor, and that opportunities were provided for them. The importance of regeneration in the area was emphasised.

¾  It was noted that the plan was an exciting one and that the building was an important local facility. It was noted that this was an exciting time to change the mindset around the building and the use made of it, and that it was especially good that the department drew comparisons between the building and the Storyhouse development in Chester.

¾  In terms of funding, it was enquired whether grants or external funding could be obtained. It was noted that discussions had been held with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council of Wales, but that the Arts Council's capital funding had all been committed for the year. It was stated that revenue support could be obtained in order to facilitate matters over the transition period. It was reported that they had discussed a bid to the National Lottery Community Fund; however, three other bids had been submitted in Pwllheli and as such there was strong competition. It was noted that the scheme did not qualify for a Visit Wales grant.

¾  It was highlighted that if major renovations were to be made to the building, there would be a need to revisit the equality impact assessment.

¾  It was noted that support was required from local people - if the Council were to show confidence in the venture and make the investment, then the local people in turn would need to show confidence in the building.

It was reported that the 'Friends of Neuadd Dwyfor' group had been established, and it was hoped that local residents would lend their support. It was added that the department hoped, in making this investment, that savings could be achieved in the medium term, and a significant resource in Llŷn would be safeguarded