Issue - meetings
Call-in of decision E3275: - Mission Theatre Community Asset Transfer
Meeting: 14/06/2021 - Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (Item 7)
7 Call-in of decision E3275: - Mission Theatre Community Asset Transfer 
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Additional documents:
- Appendix 2 - Report E3275 Mission Theatre CAT, item 7
PDF 117 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 1 - Mission Theatre Business Plan 2020 - 2025, item 7
PDF 284 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 2. CAT Business Plan 5 year cashflow, item 7
PDF 127 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 3. Mission Theatre Business Plan Summary of social and economic benefits, item 7
PDF 196 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 4. Capitalised values - rent valuation and social economic benefits, item 7
PDF 58 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 5, item 7
PDF 1 MB
- E3275z Report Appendix 6. CAT Stage 3 Assessment, item 7
PDF 223 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 7a. Draft Heads of Terms, item 7
PDF 90 KB
- E3275z Report Appendix 7b. Mission Theatre lease plan, item 7
PDF 174 KB
- Appendix 3- Call In request E3275, item 7
PDF 104 KB
- Appendix 4 Call-in Guidance Note, item 7
PDF 150 KB
- Webcast for Call-in of decision E3275: - Mission Theatre Community Asset Transfer
Minutes:
Councillor Blackburn – Lead Call in Member
Councillor Blackburn stated that, while he and his family supported the arts, theatre and drama, members are elected to serve all of their residents. He asked that the Panel scrutinize and consider if this decision is best for all our residents and asked that it be judged objectively rather than emotionally. He stated that scrutiny is about assessing risks and benefits. He stated that the building is an asset to the Council and outlined what he felt the risks are:
1. Next Stage Theatre (NST) is a private company and directors aims and objectives can change and the company can be taken in another direction.
2. There is a 5 year plan to gain a 99 year lease. This does not contain a succession plan. NST have been in the building for 16 years and have continued to secure funding despite a diminishing lease.
3. The length of the proposal (99 years) will affect three generations. A picture of Western Riverside taken in 1986 shows the many changes in the area in the last 35 years and shows how things can change. The Council may want to utilize this building/asset in the future and suggested a 20 year lease. He confirmed that he supported Next Stage Theatre.
Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:
In response to a question from Councillor Elliott, Councillor Blackburn stated that he was aware of the difference between a company with shares and a company with directors, but stated that things could change.
In response to a question from Councillor Dr Kumar, Councillor Blackburn explained that a 20-year lease is a suggestion and that the Cabinet Member could come up with a similar alternative.
In response to the question from Councillor Hughes, Councillor Blackburn explained that the Council have a legal duty to secure benefits against the asset. A 5-year business plan does not stack up to legal scrutiny.
Councillor Hughes asked how the Council monitors social and economic benefits after 5 years. Councillor Blackburn stated that these issues are not considered after the event. He added that there should be a mechanism to monitor assets and lowering the lease time brings people back around the table.
Councillor MacFie stated that it would be unlikely that the building could be used for office space as it is one large room and the building is listed. Councillor Blackburn responded that office needs and designs do change over time.
Councillor Samuel – Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Resources
Councillor Samuel confirmed that members present had received the officer response to the call-in document (a copy of this document is attached to these minutes). He highlighted some of the points made in this document and reminded Panel members that they are only required to consider the points that are raised in the call-in notice and must disregard matters that fall outside that.
· The Leader and Cabinet model enables decisions to be made in a timely manner, ... view the full minutes text for item 7
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