Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received and considered the updated Corn Exchange Business Plan prepared by the Venue & Events Officer.

Members heard of the ideas being explored which included revisiting the potential of introducing National Theatre cinema events which had seen changes to its offering since the last review. Also, potential improvements to the existing kitchen were discussed, it was noted that although options were limited due to the limited space, a small budget should be set to improve storage and for the purchase of new or replacement professional catering equipment.

The Committee agreed with the proposal to include the Café 1863 in the business plan as this would bring together both events and bar revenues and would evidence and further support the transition from a traditional public hall to an arts centre venue.

Members also heard that changes would be proposed to create a minimum bar spend agreement for private event hirers. This would be presented at the next meeting of the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee on 24 November.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, a budget be set for improvements to the Corn Exchange kitchen and,

3.      That, the Café 1863 be included in the Corn Exchange Business Plan and,

4.      That, the idea of national Theatre live be explored and,

5.      That, that future reviews of the business plan be presented to the committee in May and November of each year