Issue - meetings

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the presentation which covered the following:

·  Vision

·  Strategic Priorities

·  Heritage Services 2025/26

·  Key Project Information

·  2026/27

·  Key Activity

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

Councillor MacFie asked about the fluctuation in the Roman Baths targets. The officer explained that there was a jump from 2025/26 to 2026/27, various reasons including that the next financial year has 2 Easters. There are a number of strategies in place to arrest the slight decline. We have taken a prudent approach to projections in future years as we will need to assess the market.

Councillor Treby thanked the Cabinet Member for the positive report and asked if visitor numbers for the Roman Baths are down this year compared to other attractions. The officer explained that numbers are in line with the attraction sector as a whole in the UK. People are taking shorter stays. ALBA will soon release figures. He noted that some organisations drive footfall at the expense of yield so we have to use caution in comparing visitor numbers.

In response to a question from Councillor Treby regarding yield per visitor, the officer explained that he is happy with this currently. Retail is slightly down and likely caused by the cost of living. In response to a question from Councillor Treby regarding the Fashion Museum predictions, the officer explained that higher numbers are expected in the opening year and then a level off. He explained the opportunities to cross sell with the Roman Baths (joint ticket).

Councillor Simon noted universal credit concession ticket and asked about the possibility of introducing a pension credit ticket. The officer stated that he would take this back to the team.

Councillor Blackburn asked what the ticket cost came down to in terms of revenue for the Council as residents’ money is being used for this. The officer explained that the Fashion Museum has a comprehensive business case. It will overall run on a surplus but break even when factoring in borrowing costs. He added that there is no real disadvantage to residents, all capital is looking to be repaid from Heritage Services. The Council will eventually own the attraction.

Councillor Blackburn asked about headwinds over the next 12/24 months. The officer acknowledged the potential destabilising factors such as ticket prices rising due to the World Cup and possible political instability.

Councillor Blackburn asked about the square outside the fashion museum – when this was included and implications for the road network. The Cabinet Member explained that this had been part of the extensive consultation over the whole district.

Councillor Moss asked if international visitor numbers had been affected by global political/economic changes – particularly from North America. The Cabinet Member stated that Visit West will publish the numbers.

Councillor Moss asked about the potential tourism levy, collected by WECA and impact on the number of visitors. The Cabinet Member stated that this will all be spent on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 193