Agenda and minutes

The former Rotherham Cultural Consortium - 10th September 2003-14th March 2007 - Wednesday 16 February 2005 2.00 p.m.

Venue: Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.

Contact: Sue Green (Ext. 2052) Email: susan.green@rotherham.gov.uk

Items
No.	Item
25.	Apologies for absence Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Austen and St. John, Martin Happs, Paul Glentworth, Val Allen, Stuart Lister, David Rowley, Phil Gill, David Gayton and Phil Rogers.
26.	Minutes of the meeting held on 8th December, 2004 PDF 148 KB Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a correct record.
27.	Matters Arising Minutes: The Old Three Cranes, High Street The meeting was informed that these premises had now been sold and that the property was on the market for re-let as a shop unit. Agreed:- That the Manager, Libraries, Museums and Arts feedback information on the up to date position at the next meeting.
28.	Reports from Advisory Panels Panel for Arts, Libraries, Writing & Museums, 4^th February (Guy Kilminster) Green Spaces Panel, 26^th January (Steve Hallsworth) Minutes: Heritage, Archives & Tourism/Theatre, Libraries, Museums, Writing and the Arts Both groups had merged due to poor attendance at the previous two panels and the feeling that it was better use of Officer and Consortium Members’ time. The first meeting had taken place on 1^st February, 2005. Discussion had centred around the focus of the new group, the Cultural Conference, the Rotherham Arts Festival and the relationship of Rotherham Arts and the Rotherham Heritage Association and their relationship to the Cultural Consortium. There had been a good flow of information from everyone in attendance on how the relationship could be more effective. The meeting had discussed the issue of raising the profile of the Cultural Consortium as an organisation and using Rotherham Arts and Rotherham Heritage Association to share information. An update regarding the opening of the Museum had been given, together with the current situation with the town centre regeneration and Civic Theatre and Central Library replacements. The Master Plan was due out shortly. Sports Panel – Had not met since the last meeting of this Consortium. Green Spaces Advisory Panel The Panel had last met on 26^th January, 2005. Matters discussed included:- Urban Park Rangers There has been a focus on the Urban Park Ranger Service with the Senior Ranger attending the last two panel meetings to give updates on their activities, and to answer questions. The Panel had restated their view that the Council should continue to fund Urban Park Rangers as a mainstream service. Green Flag The panel has discussed the principle of using Green Flag Awards as a benchmark of service improvement in Rotherham’s green spaces. RotherValley CountryPark is to be put forward for assessment as part of a nationwide pilot looking at the effectiveness of the scheme in improving country parks. Green Spaces Strategy Excerpts of the draft green space audit report had been provided to panel members. There has been discussion about the principles to be applied in this and the Playing Pitch Strategy. Further consultation with the Panel is planned when draft recommendations are available. HeritagePark Restoration Schemes Consideration has been given to progress on the preparation of restoration proposals for Boston and CliftonParks. Other Matters The panel continues to raise questions and receive reports on a wide range of specific and general green space topics. These have included Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Allotment Improvements, Sports Club Activities, and the role of Parish Councils. The meeting raised the following issues:- (1) The Motte at Kimberworth had been referred to in the recent Green Space Strategy as of low value and poor quality. One member present asked why this was not a heritage site. There was a public right of way to the land. It was understood that it was a case of how the land was interpreted in the Green Space Strategy which had been as a piece of grass on a mound rather than considering it in terms of any historical value. ... view the full minutes text for item 28.
29.	Clifton Park Museum Verbal report and presentation from Guy Kilminster and Steve Blackbourn Minutes: A presentation was given on the recent successful opening of Clifton ParkMuseum on Saturday, 29^th January, 2005. A copy of recent press cuttings and opening photographs were circulated. The presentation covered the following aspects of the opening:- - 12,000 visitors in the first ten days of opening – on target to exceed a target of 60,000 visitors per year - Café and Shop very successful – informal opening of Café by Mayor and Mayoress - Café Franchise – Speak Up – an organisation involved in training people with special needs and learning difficulties – future partnership prospects and opportunities to train trainers - Excellent publicity - Work with Community Arts and Kashmir community - Half Term Press Release - Friends Groups/Launch of Friends’ events - Whiston Brass Band - Georgian Dress The Museum offered the following features:- - Library - Audio-Visual/Interactive facilities - Galleries – Graphic Panels/Display Cases – feature on the miner’s strike/20^th century/replica Anderson shelter - Information Station - Access/Lift/Toilets – Access Disability Groups involved in planning - Lion’s Den/Children’s Play Area - Shops/Cafes (Fair Trade merchandise) - Interactive Victorian Kitchen – Cooking on the range Consortium members congratulated all concerned for the success of the project which it was felt Rotherham should be proud of. Attention was drawn to the need for resources to ensure the Museum’s future maintenance and redecoration. It was pointed out that fixtures and fittings had already been well used but that staff took every opportunity to replenish stock and take care of internal features, particularly on the only day the Museum closed (Friday). In addition, one of the conditions of the Heritage Lottery Fund grant was that the Council agree to the adequate maintenance of the building as a result of investment from them. Invites to the official opening on 11^th March, 2005 had been sent to all Consortium members. Agreed:- (1) That Steve Blackbourn be thanked for an interesting and informative presentation. (2) That, on behalf of the Cultural Consortium, thanks be extended to all concerned.
30.	Design Code for the Rotherham Town Centre River Corridor PDF 40 KB Presentation by Ryan Shepherd, RMBC Planning & Transportation Service Minutes: Ryan Shepherd, Planning and Transportation Unit, gave a presentation on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Design Code Pilot Programme for Rotherham town centre. The Design Code was a planning document which will form part of the planning framework for Rotherham when determining planning applications. The Code was intended to be flexible to developers and Rotherham was one of the few pilots to be undertaken, in view of having the following features:- - central urban context - regeneration focus - housing market renewal dimension A presentation was given which included information on the following aspects of a master plan approach:- · boundary line (essentially Westgate river corridor) identified as a strategic location for a number of developments over the next 20 years · within European Objective I Area Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder/Rotherham town centre Strategic Development Framework arising from Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Towns · Key Partners – RMBC – Transform South Yorkshire - Town Team Yorkshire Forward (Satnam Developments) – ODPM – The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) The work so far had included more detailed written and illustrative guidance and the following aspects were reported on in terms of raising the design quality:- - Opportunities - Issues – River and canal to form a key part in town’s future improvement - Best in architecture and urban design - Examples of current standard housing designs – Riverside Exchange, Sheffield The Consultants had looked at the areas to ensure they match the design code priority area in terms of its surrounding and usages. Other aspects of the plan included:- Housing Market Renewal Demonstrator Project Riverside (application presently submitted for part of that site) Hillside (aspirations within the town centre masterplan for new housing) An indicative programme of the project was given. A community stakeholder event was to take place on the 1^st March, 2005 with a four week public consultation period following at the end of March. The final report would be submitted for adoption through Council in May, 2005. The project, which would raise high standards, implement Rotherham’s renaissance and help raise Rotherham’s profile, would be reviewed annually. One member asked whether shop frontages and quality signage were a part of the Design Code, a standard which it was felt was presently lacking in Rotherham. It was explained that the Design Code initiative would not particularly concentrate on the appearance of shop fronts, but important aspects such as active frontages – i.e. that there has to be a certain spread of doorways. Councillor Boyes believed there was a suggestion that resources would be available within Rotherham Renaissance in terms of existing shop fronts to replace designs that did not reflect the quality of the upper stories of existing buildings. Suggested buildings for Rotherham Renaissance are striking and ambitious for Rotherham and the Design Code will ensure another way of achieving this, a great deal of discussion having taken place within the Town Team on this issue. Reference was made to proposals by Tesco ... view the full minutes text for item 30.
31.	Rotherham Arts Festival 2004 Presentation by Lizzie Alageswaran, Principal Officer, Community Arts Minutes: Lizzie Alageswaran gave a presentation on the Rotherham Arts Festival. Copies of last year’s brochure and Issue 6 (Winter 2005) of the Muse newsletter were made available for members of the Consortium. The presentation covered the following areas:- - Why Festivals? £19.8 million recorded across England this year A great deal of Government support for culture in general – contribution to regeneration in an area – “Culture is at the Heart of Regeneration” published by DCMS - Background to the formation of Rotherham Arts – voluntary body to Rotherham Arts Groups - No additional resources from RMBC but from Yorkshire Arts and Box Office and Arts Council England - Rotherham Arts Festival is unusual to others due to its management Key aims for 2004:- · Showcase for local talent (57 member groups) · Community engagement · Quality aspiration and innovation · Vehicle to encourage organisational development Who can the Festival benefit? - to employ Festival Director - to support participatory projects - to support quality performance - organisational development Strategic Objective:- - Vision Day – 10,500 people attended up to 60 events Successes of the Festival:- - 2 commissions - Aspirational event - Raise interest in future sponsors Room for Development:- - More contribution needed from Rotherham Arts Member Groups Key Roles:- - Creative programming - Management - Capacity Building - Administration - Finance - Marketing - Monitoring Issues Encountered:- - Small number of venues - Need to unify provision over all age groups - Rotherham’s capacity to attract greater Arts funding - Willingness to make things happen - Little confidence in Rotherham - Future possibilities - Need to agree developments and Festival needs The meeting raised the following question:- How was funding accessed for events? It was explained that application to the Arts Council must demonstrate the kind of events, and claims submitted for separate issues. However, if applications are made to a wider range of funders, the process is different. Agreed:- (1) That Lizzie Alageswaran be thanked for an interesting and informative presentation. (2) That publicity information from Rotherham Arts be sent with the next agenda.
32.	Kiveton Park Colliery Regeneration Project PDF 44 KB Presentation by Paul Weston, Kiveton Park Community Development Trust Minutes: David Oldroyd and Paul Weston were welcomed to the meeting to give a presentation on the Kiveton Park Colliery Regeneration Project. The presentation covered the following aspects:- - Background Pit closure 1994 Listing – Grade II – Built in 1938 – 1 of only 4 remaining in the country Neglect and vandalism Yorkshire Forward’s role Community protest Role of the Trust Feasibility Study - Pithead Baths - Project – The Bath House – a creative enterprise centre - Site/Site Plan - “A creative Centre for creative people” High cost Arts and creativity Redroad Media Project Community use Income generation Growth sector Community enterprise Young people RotherValley South - Context Ground Floor/Upstairs - Outputs 14 creative work units 7 new full-time jobs 1 development officer 1 cinema 1 new performance venue 1 new exhibition gallery 1 high quality large hall (300) 3 new community rooms 3,500 sq ft of learning space 1 community media suite - Outcomes Arts and cultural activity Growth sector industries Local work Better leisure opportunities Appeal to the young Lifelong learning Regeneration catalyst Complement pit site Set a standard of quality and creativity Encourage enterprise and entrepreneurship Provide the Trust with a long-term asset Encourage community participation Increase an interest in the Trust - Where we are at: Repair schedule Design and layout Specification Planning application Capital costs Business plan Funding applications Management plan - Where we’re going next: PROJECT MANAGEMENT GROUP Development funding RIBA Stages E & F and beyond Heritage and Image Access and Acoustics Planning issues Ownership Capital funding PROJECT ADVISORY GROUP Training Community and user involvement Cluster development Promoting and marketing The main focus of the work over the last two years had been to work with the community to come up with a solution with regard to the future of this important heritage location and building. The idea has developed with the enthusiasm of young people not only from the community but from villages around to have constructive and creative leisure time, hence the concept of an enterprise centre. A planning application had been submitted and capital funding is awaited. Members of the Consortium raised the following questions:- What cost is there to RMBC? It was pointed out that there would be no cost to the Council. Why should this project succeed when a similar Music Centre in Sheffield had failed? Consideration had been given to this but all concerned had been very realistic about the proposal from the outset. Funding was based on less than a 50% occupancy in year one, for which subsidy was needed. A great deal of discussion was taking place with Yorkshire Forward and Coalfield Regeneration Trust about the fact that it should not be another music centre or earth centre. There was £250,000 revenue funding over 5 years and it was necessary to appoint the right people to run the project. It was necessary to gain the support of the wider Rotherham Arts community to acknowledge the importance that culture and creative activity should not just ... view the full minutes text for item 32.
33.	Strategic Cultural Links PDF 108 KB Minutes: The meeting considered the content of the Strategic Cultural Links report which set out Cultural Services outcomes and measures, mapped against key strategies and themes for the Borough over the next few years and beyond. This would inform the Service Area’s Plan for 2005/06. The Audit Commission required the Council to demonstrate a clear link with other Council priorities, for example Corporate Plan, Community Strategy and Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. The document was presently in draft form due to work within the Corporate Plan and Community Strategy still evolving. It was a working document and would be used to revise the Cultural Services Plan over the next few weeks. Members of the Consortium were asked to feed back any comments on the draft document to the Manager, Libraries, Museums and Arts.
34.	Kimberworth Manor House Update Minutes: Tony Preston gave an update on the current position with regard to Kimberworth Manor House which, until quite recently, had been occupied by the LEA Inclusion Service. The building had now been declared surplus to requirements and its future was to be determined by the Property Board. One member asked whose responsibility it was for maintaining the house whilst not in use. It was explained that metal shutters are usually fitted to a building declared surplus to requirements. It was confirmed that the Council had no intention of allowing the building to become ruined and the house would be disposed of appropriately. The house was now in the ownership of Economic and Development Services who would be responsible for future maintenance work and had in their Department the Enforcement Officer whose responsibility it was for monitoring the situation.
35.	Cultural Conference Update Minutes: The meeting discussed the arrangements for the 3^rd Cultural Conference to be held on Friday, 6^th May, 2005 at Clifton ParkMuseum. At the request of Consortium members, the theme was to be “Heritage Matters”. Final arrangements were being made regarding key speakers to be invited. The morning session would be based on landscape heritage and Liz Newbanks had been invited – Liz had been involved in the Botanical Gardens Re-development in Sheffield. Ideas for other key speakers were being finalised. The afternoon session was to be around built heritage and it was hoped to have a speaker from Cave Space and Rotherham Tourism Initiative. A representative from the Rotherham Lottery Fund would be organising discussion groups and a member of the Museum staff would be conducting a tour of the museum. Presentations on the proposed Clifton Park Masterplan and on future plans for the museum would be shown during the afternoon. An article would be included in the next issue of Rotherham Matters during March and invitations would be sent to all Heritage Organisations in Rotherham.
36.	Any Other Business Minutes: Tribute to Tony Munford Roy Newman informed the meeting of a presentation he was organising to be held on 20^th May at 7.00 p.m. in the Arts Centre entitled “Tony Munford’s Rotherham – A celebration”. All members of the Consortium were invited to attend. Firbeck Hall A question was raised regarding the present ownership of Firbeck Hall and whether RMBC had powers to protect the historical building. The meeting was informed that the powers to ensure that any listed building is being adequately maintained by its owner was the Conservation Officer’s within Economic and Development Services. It was suggested that this Officer be contacted in making enquiries about this building. Agreed:- That consideration be given to inviting the Conservation Officer, Economic and Development Service to the next meeting.
37.	Date of Next Meeting Minutes: A provisional date for the next meeting was agreed for Wednesday, 14^th September, 2005 at 2.00 p.m.