Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Lead for Culture and Leisure submits a report that informs Cabinet Members of the revised design for the new contemporary art gallery to be developed, subject to planning consent, on the site of the former Workplace Nursery at 50 New Walk. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3.1 of the report.

A minute extract from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board held on 22 March 2010 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Patel submitted a report that informed Cabinet Members of the revised design for the new contemporary art gallery to be developed, subject to planning consent, on the site of the former Workplace Nursery at 50 New Walk.

He explained that he was supportive, in principle, of the project, but wanted to ensure that costs did not spiral. He, therefore, asked Cabinet to agree, in addition to the recommendations in the report, that approval be subject to Cabinet’s endorsement of a robust business case. He also recommended that the Project Board be chaired by Councillor Osman and attended by Councillor Wann.

Members of Cabinet supported the proposed gallery, noting the contribution of the outreach education work and its potential benefits to people’s wellbeing. It was stated that this was the latest aspect of the cultural offer in the city, of which residents could be proud. There was agreement that a robust business case was required, and contract timescales should be closely monitored.

Opposition leaders expressed concern regarding the cost of the project, the ability to fund the facility long-term, particularly in relation to the café, and its location. The Leader noted the comments and assured them that due diligence would be taken with regard to the business case, which would include issues of sustainability. He also stated that Members were accountable to the public in respect of costs for the scheme.

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet, subject to Cabinet endorsement of a robust business case,

1)     proceeds with the replacement City Gallery project on the basis of the design and plans included at Appendix 1 and approves these as the basis for a new Planning Application for the demolition of the former Workplace Nursery - 50 New Walk and construction of a new contemporary art gallery  in its place;

2)     authorises the Director, Legal Services to enter into the various legal agreements necessary to complete the development;

3)     agrees that the matter is urgent on the grounds that delaying and or prolonging the project at this stage is likely to incur additional cost for the Council and that in accordance with Cabinet Procedure Rule 12(d) of the constitution, no call-in may be made of the Cabinet decision.

4)     agrees that Councillor Osman chairs the Project Board, and that Councillor Wann also be a member.