Issue - meetings

The Director of Property submits a report that outlines the recent marketing history of the former Haymarket Theatre.

The Director of Property submitted a report on the Marketing of the Haymarket Theatre, and was presented by Brendan McGarry,

The report outlined the reasoning behind the decision to dispose of the lease for the Haymarket building, which currently costs the Council £209,000 a year. Brendan described the building as being purpose built as a theatre, which was split-level, and had inflexible concrete tiers. He said the building also structurally supported shops and the car park for the shopping centre. He said works on the building, such as removal of asbestos, had resulted in damage to the building, and there were no services or toilets. He added that the building did not have a ground floor and there was no disabled access. It would require around £2million to put the building back into any sort of use, and the sheer cost of taking on the building was prohibitive to potential users.

The City Mayor said that continuing to carry the annual costs of the building, and to invest £2million in refurbishment costs, was not a good use of the Council’s money, added to which there was a doubtful outcome on whether or not someone would take over the lease. He said it was very difficult until there was a particular person interested in the building, to know what to do to make it suitable for them, but was willing to be flexible to provide and incentive to prospective purchasers. He said he was intensely aware he was dealing with public assets, the proper procedure would have to be followed first to try and sell before offering any incentives. He added he did not know why the My Place scheme was cancelled under the previous administration. Members suggested alternative uses for the building, but the lease included a restrictive user clause for use. It was suggested a re-marketing strategy was required to attract potential users. The City Mayor invited Members to visit the site. The Chair suggested inviting the media on visit to aid the publicity campaign.

The Chair summarised that:

1.    A visit to the site would be organised.

2.    Members called for a new marketing strategy to be drawn up.

3.    Further recommendations would follow.

The Chair thanked the City Mayor and officers for the thorough answer that had been given.

RESOLVED:

1.    that the report be noted.