Decision details

A report to highlight initial findings from the community consultation and to consider opportunities and possible options for future use/s of the building

(1) To NOTE the initial outcomes of the Consultation Exercise;

(2) To AGREE that because Crèche, Youth Club and Health Facilities are already being provided out of Greystones and the adjoining Children’s/Youth Centre, and are regarded as well located, they are not included in the options to be progressed further;

(3) To ASK the Divisional Director (Property) to undertake more detailed assessments on the feasibility of adapting Victoria Hall to make it suitable for a mixed community, meeting and exhibition space; which would also offer ongoing snooker facilities.  Also to examine the scope for, and benefits of, locating the library in to the building;

(4) To AGREE that as part of this process, consideration will be given to the benefits of retaining the caretaker’s house as part of the facility or investigate the potential for its disposal to deliver wider community benefits; and

(5) To ASK the Divisional Director (Property) to make a further report to Cabinet in September to provide detailed information on the options including ongoing revenue implications.

The initial analysis of the options allows for a broad picture of preferred uses to be established which, coupled with linked developments within the town, point at a use based on community facilities, meeting space and exhibition space.  There is also strong support for the snooker facilities to be retained.  The case for the use of this building for crèche, youth and health facilities is considered unproven given the recent development of a multi-use facility at the former Youth Club.  Further information in respect of the options available to deliver the proposed mix is required and this work can be undertaken to be able to give a firm view of the next stages for September Cabinet.

It would be premature to make a firm decision on the preferred final option at this stage without undertaking further investigation.