Issue - meetings

This report requests an addition to the Capital Programme, to facilitate the necessary structural and refurbishment works to the Brook Theatre, to ensure the longevity of a well utilised and iconic community asset.

Background:

This report requested an addition to the Capital Programme, to facilitate the necessary structural and refurbishment works to the Brook Theatre, to ensure the longevity of a well utilised and iconic community asset.

The Brook Theatre had been awarded £300,000 from the Future High Street Fund (FHSF) and £6.5m from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), to deliver improvements to the building, focussing on improvements/ refurbishments to performance and training areas, improving the accessibility of the building and enhancing and modernising the digital offer. This would ensure that the building was user friendly and fit for purpose for current and future residents and visitors. The LUF and FHSF programmes were being delivered together to ensure maximum efficiencies and benefits.

The report had previously been considered by the Cabinet on 11 July 2023, the decisions of which were set out at section 5 of the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property, Councillor Khan, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, Councillor Edwards, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the addition of £14.7million to the Capital Programme, to be funded from borrowing if no grant funding from alternative sources could be found, as set out in Option 1 at paragraph 3.1.1 of the report.

Background:

This report requested an addition to the Capital Programme, to facilitate the necessary structural and refurbishment works to the Brook Theatre, to ensure its longevity.

The Theatre had been awarded £300,000 from the Future High Street Fund (FHSF) and £6.5m from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF), to deliver improvements to the building, focussing on improvements / refurbishments to performance and training areas, improving the accessibility of the building and enhancing and modernising the digital offer, ensuring the building was user friendly and fit for purpose for current and future residents and visitors. The LUF and FHSF programmes were being delivered together to ensure maximum efficiencies and benefits.

The full scope of works included structural works, a complete package of accessibility and digital improvements, updating the building to current regulations and utilising the full capacity and potential of the space. Subject to capacity and opportunities, the Council would continue to look for opportunities to reduce Council spend within the financial requirement envelope.

An Exempt Appendix set out key information in respect of financial analysis relating to the works required and the total amount requested.

Reasons:

Securing the £14.7m funding at Full Council in July, will enable the project to be delivered within the funding bodies spend deadlines, securing the £6.8m investment and ensuring the future and longevity of the Brook Theatre as a key community and cultural facility, in the heart of the city centre.