Decision details

Date of Decision:

27^th February 2025

Title:

Feasibility Fund – Theatre Allocation

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Andrew Bramidge, Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment

Details of Specific Cabinet Delegation

or Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have allocated £3m revenue to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as a ‘Feasibility Fund’. A grant agreement has been signed to accept the funding and this report seeks to exercise delegation to the Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Assistant Director Financial Services to allocate £24,999 of this fund to undertake market testing and options appraisals for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham Town Centre.

In line with the approved delegation the following have been consulted:-

Leader of the Council – 14.2.25

Assistant Director Financial Services – 14.3.25

Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs & Local Economy – 14.2.25

Decision:

To allocate £24,999 of the Feasibility Fund to further development and market testing related to the future plans for Rotherham Civic Theatre.

Reasons for the Decision:

To ensure a robust business case for any future developments relating to Rotherham Civic Theatre

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Do nothing – The Council’s Asset Management service has advised the current building may come to the end of its useful life within the next ten years, requiring significant repairs to the roof and structure to remain operational. To not progress the feasibility work could see the Council invest significant capital to restore a building that is not fit for purpose or could mark the end of performing arts provision in Rotherham Town centre as the repairs could be so costly they are prohibitive.

Progress with the development of proposed plans – Building on the initial Feasibility Study which identified potential locations, sizes and use of a possible new, work could progress to the next phase of development. However, without the appropriate due diligence the identified site and offer

may present a future revenue challenge for the Council and is therefore too great a risk to take forward.

Invest in market testing and detailed options appraisal – this is the recommended options which will enable the Council to explore options for a future performing arts provision in the Town centre that are both financially robust and fit for the market.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

N/A

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment – Feasibility Fund Allocation: Rotherham Civic Theatre