Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: The Meeting Room, The Capitol Theatre, Horsham

Contact: Email: committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk  Direct Line: 01403 215465

Items
No. Item

24.

Notes of previous meeting pdf icon PDF 91 KB

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 31 July 2019.

Minutes:

 The notes of the meeting held on 31 July were received.

25.

Member updates on visits to different aspects of the Leisure and Culture Portfolio

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member invited the Group to relay their experiences of visits to the different cultural locations within the district that were the responsibility of the Leisure & Culture portfolio.

 

Locations discussed included: Southwater Country Park; Quarry Park; Warnham Nature Reserve; Bramber Brooks; Leechpool Woods; The Bridge Leisure Centre; The Capitol Theatre; and Horsham Museum.

26.

The Capitol Theatre - Bar and Cafe

The report will be considered by Cabinet on 26 September

Minutes:

The Capitol’s General Manager introduced the report that was going to Cabinet on 26 September that sought approval for the operation of the café and bar to be managed directly in-house rather than by a contractor. 

 

The contract with the previous contractor, who also managed The Conservatory café, had ended earlier in the year.  The General Manager anticipated a significant increase in income for The Capitol by bringing the running of these facilities in-house.  It would also allow for a more flexible service, in terms of hours of operation and the variety of drinks and food on offer.

 

The Cabinet Member invited the Group to comment on the proposals.  They were supportive of the proposals and were of a view that Cabinet should follow the recommendations as stated in the report.

27.

Capitol Future Plans

To receive a presentation from the Head of Leisure & Culture and the Capitol General Manager.

Minutes:

The Capitol’s General Manager outlined the three distinct strands of work that were being undertaken regarding future plans for The Capitol.

 

Cinema Offer:  This was being reviewed, with the help of a specialist Cinema Consultant, with a view to adapting the offer in the light of the recently opened Everyman Cinema.  This work would also look at short-term options.   

 

Audience Development:  An analysis of those currently using The Capitol with a view to broadening the offer to a wider demographic.   

 

Long-term aspirations:  Looking at the current offer from The Capitol and other cultural centres in the town, eg the Museum, with a view to investigating the potential for a large-scale arts centre for the district.

 

The Group discussed other ideas regarding future improvements to the Capitol Theatre and noted progress to date.

28.

Playing Pitch Strategy

To receive a presentation from the Head of Leisure & Culture, and the Leisure Strategy & Client Manager.

Minutes:

The Head of Leisure and Culture gave a presentation on the proposed Playing Pitch Facility Strategy and Action Plan for the Council.  A report seeking adoption of the strategy was going to Cabinet on 26 September.

 

The Group noted that the strategy could be used as an evidence base in relation to the current review of the Horsham District Local Plan and would give the Council more control in discussions with developers.    

 

The Head of Leisure and Culture stated that the strategy would support local organisations and parishes in accessing external funding.  This strategy and the Built Facility Strategy had been developed over two years, and written with guidance from independent consultants.  The consultants’ overall findings were that the Council’s facilities were as would be expected or good in terms of both quantity and quality. 

29.

Built Facility Strategy

To receive a presentation from the Head of Leisure & Culture, and the Leisure Strategy & Client Manager.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Leisure and Culture gave a presentation on the proposed Built Sports Facility Strategy for the Council.  A report seeking adoption of the strategy was going to Cabinet on 26 September.

 

The Group noted that the strategy could be used as an evidence base in relation to the current review of the Horsham District Local Plan and would give the Council more control in discussions with developers.    

 

The Head of Leisure and Culture stated that the strategy would support local organisations and parishes in accessing external funding.  This strategy and the Playing Pitch Strategy had been developed over two years, and written with guidance from independent consultants.  The consultants’ overall findings were that the Council’s facilities were as would be expected or good in terms of both quantity and quality. 

30.

Forward Plan Extract for the Leisure and Culture Portfolio pdf icon PDF 108 KB

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Leisure and Culture Portfolio

Minutes:

The Group noted the contents of the forward plan extract.