An update from David Redfern, Director Leisure, Culture & Communities
Minutes:
The
Board received an update from David Redfern, Director Leisure,
Culture
and Communities and Cllr Ian Blair- Pilling, Cabinet Member for
Public Health, Leisure, Libraries, Facilities Management, and
Operational Assets.
The main points were:
• Conditional survey indicated that repairs would cost in excess of previous estimate at £2 million to make the building usable
• Desire to make improvements that will provide a beneficial experience for visitors
• Project group has been set up to investigate all options on how develop the venue – including potentially incorporating the library and Young Gallery and produce a plan for the any future development in due course
• Wiltshire Council is still looking to work with a third-party operator to help bring any future vision for City Hall to life.
Comments and questions included:
· The longer city hall is empty the worse the condition would become. This is a war memorial given to the city to commemorate the war dead. When operational as the city hall as an entertainment venue, it brought revenue into the city. How much was received from the rental and lease by the NHS during the pandemic?
Answer: That information would need to be obtained and feedback, however the notion that money gets ringfenced against a single building is not viable and does not work that way.
A few weeks ago a study of several assets across Salisbury was carried out, with particular focus on City Hall & the library. The condition survey would only bring the building back to a usable state not to improve it for future uses. The focused was on finding a long term solution for Salisbury.
· It was reported in the Journal that the NHS contract extended to £300k. The Gala bingo building was renovated and now the Everyman Cinema have made use of it after investment.
· It sounds like demolition was being considered. Covid hit the country, but things had returned to normal. In other areas theatres had opened again and they were older than city hall. The library was the second busiest in the whole SW region. Why mess with it. Where will it go?
Answer: Due to the dilapidation and current state of the city hall and Library, the Council was looking at something a bit more creative, which would better the provision for the city. The figure invested in the new facility would be far greater than any rent from the lease to the NHS.
· Chair of Young Gallery, noted that to make a destination venue for arts and culture would take a lot of investment.
· Recently the Leader of the Council spoke at a public meeting about a new building and investment of £15m. Where would that funding be found and to what degree would the people of Salisbury be involved in the planning?
Answer: A thorough process would be carried out which would include listening to residents views.
We were aware of what needed to be protected and maintained and would be looking for best solution for the community and the economy. The intention would be to carry out consultation at the right time.