Issue - meetings

Report DRR14/075

Members considered the current arrangements for management of the Churchill Theatre which were due to expire in April 2016.  The process and timetable for retendering the lease in line with the Council’s financial regulations and procurement procedures were also considered.

It was reported that the current contract terminated in April 2016 so it was necessary to start the re-tendering process as soon as possible.  The results of this would be reported to Members in May 2015.

Councillor Reddin queried the definition of 'artistic policy' as set out in bullet point 1 of paragraph 3.4.  The Assistant Director for Culture, Renewal and Recreation explained that this was based on the type of theatre provision.  There was currently a core audience of 50,000 per annum, the majority of which came from the BR post code area.  It was therefore necessary to look at the artistic content of provision which was mainly dictated by audiences themselves. 

Councillor Michael considered attendance level to be a crucial factor and in this regard, tenderers should be asked to demonstrate how they will continue to maintain or increase attendance levels.

It was reported that programme and pricing schedules comparable with West End theatres was one of the main priorities, together with maintaining the quality of the building and internal furnishings. 

The Chairman reported an increase in catchment area since a new management team had taken over the theatre.  The current team provided a lot of educational, arts development and outreach work.

RESOLVED that:-

1)  the details of the proposed tender process and timescales outlined in the report be noted; and

2)  the Executive be recommended to approve the proposed tender process and timescales outlined and agree that Officers undertake the tendering process.