Issue - meetings

The Director of Property submits a report to the Scrutiny Commission, which outlines the recent marketing history, and provides an update on the recent visit by Members to the former Haymarket Theatre.

The Director of Property submitted a report to provide an update on the marketing of Haymarket Theatre. The report was presented by Brendan McGarry, Principal Valuer, Property.

Brendan reported that an advert had been placed in the Estates Gazette, and would hopefully give the property national exposure. Also, following the Leicester Mercury’s coverage of the Scrutiny members visit to the Theatre, the City Mayor’s appearance on Central News, and a report on BBC Radio Leicester, it was felt a local advert was not required at this time.

Brendan said the current landlord had gone into administration. He added that Leicester City Council was in a weak position as it was currently paying a high service charge, and it would not be in the interests of the landlord to change the provisions of the lease to make it more attractive for potential buyers.

Scrutiny Members suggested the theatre be spruced up inside and a lift installed for disabled access to allow the building to be on a temporary basis for the City of Culture, and it would also assist with the marketing of the property in the future.

It was also suggested that following demolition of the structures relating to the bus station development, the end wall of the Haymarket could be rented out for branding / advertising space to recoup some of the money being spent. The City Mayor said he was open to suggestion for the use of the space, and would take on board the suggestion for creative use.

The Chair thanked officers for the update.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report be noted.