Information from David Redfern, Head of Service, Communities, on the future of Salisbury City Hall.
Minutes:
David Redfern, Head of Service, Communities gave an update on Salisbury City Hall. The officer explained that he headed the Councils community services, including in house leisure, libraries, the community engagement team and Salisbury City Hall.
As a recap the officer stated that City Hall was closed in March 2020 and the majority of the team were placed on furlough. In October 2020 a cabinet decision was taken to wind down services offered at City Hall and by February 2021 the City Hall delivery team left the council. Colleagues in Estates had worked with the NHS to ensure there was a positive use of City Hall which was currently being used as a vaccination centre. It had been agreed that this would be an NHS vaccination site until at least March 2022.
Future plans were that City Hall would continue as an integral part of Salisbury’s Cultural Quarter. The decision Cabinet made included that City Hall be reopened when it was safe to do so and when it was financially sustainable to do so.
The officer looked on a weekly basis at opportunities for City Hall. Phil Smith who had previously worked at City Hall for Wiltshire Council was now involved with the Chapel Live and Salisbury Playhouse was now up and running again which was positive.
The financially sustainable caveat imposed by Cabinet was difficult and officers were currently scoping options as part of the Cultural Strategy for Salisbury. Mr Redfern welcomed ideas from Members and the public present on what should happen with City Hall.
The Chairman stated that personally he had been quite shocked by the Cabinet decision. Some good officers had been lost and his opinion was that City Hall should reopen as an entertainment centre. He felt that there would be a knock-on effect on local businesses such as pubs and restaurants if City Hall did not reopen as an entertainment centre.
Members of the Board stated that City Hall was dear to them and the people of Salisbury and hoped that consultations on the future use of City Hall could be led by Salisbury Area Board. The Board Members wanted the venue to be upgraded and stay as an entertainment venue, with acts appropriate for all ages and tastes. It was also noted that consultations may require information for the public in different languages. Members also suggested looking into the possibility of acquiring funding from elsewhere. The Chairman highlighted that City Hall provided a service to residents which it was very important should continue.
Cllr Hocking stated that City Hall may just be too small, compared to other venues, to draw in the big headline acts that people hoped to see there, he also highlighted the budgetary constraints Wiltshire Council was facing, so one had to be pragmatic when looking at this.
A member of the audience suggested a headline sponsor to help raise funds to support City Hall, which was welcomed as a good idea.
The Chairman thanked David Redfern for the update.