Agenda item

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 a gazebo could be constructed for the people queuing for the Roman Baths which would enhance the visitor experience. He asked if the Pump Room Catering contract could be extended to allow for opening in the evenings. He also asked about combined tickets as many cities have, which include a package for public transport/open top bus tours and visitor attractions which may help to drive footfall.

Councillor MacFie asked about Heritage Services in terms of Northeast Somerset and if so, could it be included in the report. The officer explained that the schools programme includes all schools in BANES. He added that there had been a pop-up museum on Keynsham High Street and there had been a festival of archaeology in Stanton Drew. He stated that there will be more things like this going forwards.

Councillor Saini asked about the timeline for repayment of the Capital Grant; How the fund-raising scheme is structured and about the role and responsibility of independent charities. The officer explained that the grant is the responsibility of the Corporate Estate so he would refer to his colleagues. He explained the fund-raising structure as a well-trodden path – there are anchor givers such as the Arts Council and National Lottery Heritage Fund. He explained that the role of independent charities is the same model as the Roman Baths and that will apply to the Fashion Museum.

Councillor Halsall asked about Discovery Cards and asked if people could just take a utility bill to gain access. The officer explained that the benefits are wider than just free access to venues – there are discounts elsewhere and the card is a vehicle for other businesses to sign up to it. He further explained that the technology behind the cards is holding us back from remote sign up at present but will are moving towards that system. There has been increased sign up – 24k before the pandemic and now there are 40k.

Councillor Hodge asked if there is a risk to other services if a surplus in this service is not achieved (this is not shown in the risk analysis). She asked about ticket prices increases and concessions. She also asked about visitor driven staffing. The officer stated that he was not sure about the risk to other services, but the risk always depends on footfall. He stated that he would supply the Panel will the ticket price information with variable pricing strategy and concessions. In terms of visitor driven staffing, he explained that staff numbers are increased at times of high visitor numbers.

In a response to questions from Councillor Malloy, the officer explained that the Heritage Advisory Board has external voices which have expertise in different aspects of the Heritage Sector. He explained that the aim is to bring these voices to have a stronger bearing earlier on in the budget process. In terms of cultural audit, he explained that an internal audit is happening now before the summer. He stated that the service is always happy to work with the Great Spa Towns as the opportunities arise.

Councillor Moss asked if the paintings in storage could be used in the Guildhall. Councillor Hodge asked if a variety of genders could be portrayed. The officer stated that he was happy to consider this, taking into account practicalities and cost.