Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillors Paul Crossley and Ryan Wills sent their apologies.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest, (as defined in Part 4.4 Appendix B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were none.

There was none.

Bob Goodman made a statement to the Panel regarding the Fashion Museum.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.

The Chair asked the Democratic Services officer to follow up a question from Councillor Bromley to Councillor Manda Rigby at the January meeting.

The Chair invited Robert Campbell, Head of Heritage Services, to introduce the item. The Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Guy was also in attendance and answered questions.

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

Councillor Johnson stated that the Victoria Art Gallery (VAG) has been one of the hardest hit sites in terms of visitor numbers post covid. There has been a stark decline in projected visitor numbers since previous business plans. The action areas on this do not help us to understand who the future audiences could be. We should be looking at an action plan for this asset. The officer explained that the numbers of visitors to the VAG have declined due to visitor behaviour, they have not returned post covid. He assured the Panel that staff and the Council are committed to the VAG and investment is planned. There will be a focus on attracting families.

Councillor O Brien commented that there were two very successful exhibitions in the VAG – these were relatable and attractive. Some other exhibitions have been niche and abstract so maybe it is a case of looking at the type of exhibition in terms of visitor numbers and appealing to younger demographic. The money that has been invested and future investments call for more of a broad appeal to benefit residents and visitors. The officer explained that there is not a development plan in this report as a new curator has just been appointed so this is a chance to make some changes with a focus on local rate payers. He acknowledged the comment about the niche exhibitions but noted that this is subjective.

Councillor O Brien stated that she shares the reservation of the member of the public who made a statement (Bob Goodman) regarding losing use of the Assembly Rooms and purchase of the old Post Office building. She stated that the levelling up funding bid was not successful and in the meantime, there is a loss of income, storage costs and a building that will need significant revamp. She asked if the reopening date achievable. The officer explained that there will be a bid to Heritage Lottery Funding, the full funding plan is not set out in the report. He explained that the authority has a very successful Heritage Services area and that he is confident in delivering this project for which there is funding in place for the next 18 months.

Councillor Hirst noted the three assets – Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery and Fashion Museum – but asked that other monuments around the area also be considered and maintained. He stated that the Wansdyke monument has gradually degraded. The officer stated that he agreed and that a wider cultural strategy is being considered but this report was focused on the visitor facing assets. He stated that he would refer the concerns on the Wansdyke monument to the Corporate Property Team. Councillor Kevin Guy stated that there are a number of assets in the property  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

There was no Cabinet Member update.

The Chair thanked the Panel members for their contributions over the last 4 years. Councillor O Brien and Councillor Dr Kumar thanked the Chair for her work with the Panel. Panel members agreed.