Issue - meetings

The Chair invited Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development and Robert Campbell, Head of Heritage Services to introduce the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Halsall stated that the good news in the report was testament to all teams involved. He added that it was good news regarding access to the records office. He asked about the upper area in the Victoria Art Gallery and when the roof repair was expected so that there was a limit to this cultural loss. The officer explained that there had been a historical underinvestment in the roof and there was no choice now but to fix it so the gallery is closed until this can be done otherwise art could be damaged. The extent of the work is unknown until an inspection is carried out. He explained that listed building consent is expected in March/April and an inspection will follow. It is possible that there will need to be further listed building consent but if not, it is hoped that it can open in September. Confirmation can be given once the extent of the damage is known.

Councillor Blackburn stated that the report is shown as a Business Plan but is actually an Executive Summary. He asked what was being done to make things happen in terms of returning markets and protecting the asset. He asked what the big jump in education visitor numbers cost. He stated that income per visitor seems to be reducing but no reason is given for this. The Cabinet Member stated that ‘Visit West’ is used to promote the city. He explained that Asian tourism has not recovered since the pandemic, but this may be a geopolitical issue. The officer added that we do market in China on social media and trade delegations. We were only put back on the pre-approved travel destination last year. We are proactive and the market is likely to return in 2025/26. Regarding educational visitor costs, the officer did not have the exact costs but explained that there was a large education audience (around 16-19 thousand pupils) which is in line with a mandate set for the Council as an investment in improving the lives of local people. He stated that this is a long-term investment which will ensure future support of the monument. Councillor Moss stated that this is missing from the risk register in terms of the impact on profitability. Also, as numbers increase – visitor enjoyment may go down – a difficult balance. He agreed that educational experience is of benefit going forwards. The officer agreed regarding the balance between commercial activities and socially minded activities but added that some philanthropic donations can be linked to socially minded activities – the aim is to diversify the income streams to mitigate risk in times such as the pandemic.

Councillor Blackburn stated that scrutiny members are here to help but do need more details in reports.

Councillor Simon asked if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64