Agenda and draft minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet Member for Culture, Lifestyle, Sport and Tourism held on 9^th November, 2010.

Reference was made to Minute No. F39 and the delays to the timetable.  There was clearly a need for further discussion to take place.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 9^th November, 2010, be signed as a true record.

Consideration was given to a report presented by Marie Hayes, Events and Promotions Service Manager, which outlined various options for reducing the Rotherham Show budget without affecting the overall quality of the Show.

Further information was provided on the Show’s functionality and every aspect had now been examined to ascertain if and where efficiencies could be made.  The largest areas of spend were on staffing (security, electricians/joiners, general duties staff and marquees).  Of these security and general duties staff could not be reduced unless there was a move towards significantly reducing the size of the Show.    On this basis an appraisal of the various options and ways to reduce the budget was set out in the report submitted.

Discussion ensued on the efficiencies that could be made and the aim of the organisers to continually improve it and increase income.

Further information was provided on the Horticultural Show (reducing categories to most popular), the Council Tent (without wooden flooring), the Programme (reduce programme by four pages), number of Charity Stands and potential sponsorship and the savings which could be realised and achieved

Resolved:-  That the following options as outlined in the report be approved:-

Option 1(c) – Revise Horticultural Show.

Option 2 – No wooden floor in One Town One Community Marquee.

Option 3 – Reduce Show Programme.                     

Option 4 – Limit the Number of Charity Stands.

Consideration was given to a report presented by Elenore Fisher, Manager Cultural Services, which set out details of the relocation of services from the Central Library and Arts Centre to Riverside House and other locations.  It was proposed to cease programming performances at Rotherham Arts Centre Studio Theatre from 21st April, 2011 and to cease programming and close Rotherham Art Gallery after the final programmed exhibition in June, 2011.

Front line and support services within the Central Library and Arts Centre were to be relocated during 2012. Prior to this all the thousands of items in collections and archives would need to be assessed and prepared for moving, along with all other materials in the building. There were limited spaces available of sufficient size and which could be secured to enable this work to take place.  It was, therefore, proposed to close both the Studio Theatre and Art Gallery to facilitate this programme.

Discussion ensued on the relocation of services and artefacts from the Central Library and the options available for service delivery and storage for Archives and Museums.

The move to Riverside House would provide a welcome opportunity to act as a hub for social, economic and cultural activity for the wider area.

Resolved:-  (1)  That no further bookings be taken for performance work at the studio theatre from 21st April, 2011.

(2)  That no further exhibitions be programmed at Rotherham Art Gallery after the end of June, 2011.

(3)  That a further report be provided on the overall move in due course.

Consideration was given to a report presented by Phil Gill, Green Spaces Manager, which sought approval on whether to proceed with the acquisition/transfer of Bar Park, Thorpe Hesley from Sheffield City Council to Rotherham MBC.

Further information was provided on whose responsibility maintenance of the park would fall to on transfer, figures on the present usage and that this transfer would ensure that those people living on the west side of Thorpe Hesley could access a green space within five minutes walking distance, as recommended in the Green Space Strategy.

Discussion ensued on the present condition of the pavilion and the need for this to be closed for essential repairs and made secure.  It was also noted that should work be required in future to deal with further deterioration of the building, then this would represent additional pressure on Green Space Service budgets and that these budgets were in any case likely to be adversely affected by cost savings currently being sought across the Council.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Council’s interest in acquiring Bar Park from Sheffield City Council be approved.

(2)   That Asset Management Department be instructed to commence negotiations with Sheffield City Council, seeking the transfer of the freehold of Bar Park, Thorpe Hesley to Rotherham.

(3)  That Officers assess options for managing the additional maintenance of the site when transferred, including reducing standards at other sites.