Agenda item

To receive the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received and considered the updated Business Plans for Burwell Hall and Café 1863 which has been prepared by the Venue & Events Officer who explained that a quarterly update would be provided in respect of the Objectives in the plans.

A Member asked that the Financial Appraisal section of the plans make it clear that the venues, particularly Burwell Hall, are a community asset and that there would always be a cost to provide them. All members were in agreement.

A Member outlined her thoughts in respect of the need to quantify the value of Café 1863 as a standalone operation, after two years of trading she felt that it was important to evaluate prices and focus on costs. It was agreed that though savings could be made via staffing it was important to not lose the level of service provided; many of the Café’s customers experienced a reduced level of social contact and the café was a valuable resource to these individuals/groups.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report and verbal update be noted and,

2.      That, the Financial Appraisal section be updated to reflect the comments of the Committee and,

3.      That, costs of the Café be reviewed and monitored by Officers and,

4.      That, the next update of the Business Plans Objectives be provided to the meeting of the Committee on 20Jan 2025.