Agenda item

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Report of Chief Officer (Resources)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) which provided an update on the review of the Platform, and provided information on a number of early developments and ongoing improvements, to reduce the long term net operating position.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

A considerable number of improvements to Platform operations have already been undertaken, or are underway, which Cabinet members are asked to note. At this time, no financial growth is requested as proposals at this stage can be managed within service budgets.  However, Cabinet members are asked to consider and confirm the role and purpose of the Platform.The original role of the Platform was as a Music and Community Arts Centre and the venue has therefore always operated as much more than a simple commercial enterprise. Today, there is, quite rightly, a strong focus on income generation as a means of reducing the overall cost of the venue to the Council.  Nevertheless, the Platform also delivers important social and economic value as a community facility, as a contributor to Morecambe’s Place offer and quality of life and also as a visitor attraction.  Whilst these roles do not always reflect directly on the Platform’s bottom line, positive social and economic outcomes for the area are achieved.

This report proposes that whilst all reasonable opportunities to generate additional income are developed, as detailed in the report, this is undertaken in the context of the Platform’s continuing broad role and purpose.

Bar and catering options have not been included in any detail in this report although this is an area that has been recognised as a revenue generator.  However, it is also recognised that these options need to be considered in the context of longer term requirements and opportunities for the Platform building itself, potential development in the surrounding area, local private sector interests and investments and the economic potential arising from the new link road.

It is proposed that a further report is presented to Cabinet early in 2017/18 to consider how the Platform can best support wider developments in the local area and what services, including bar and catering, will be required to achieve this.

Bearing in mind that Cabinet has confirmed its support for the long term future of the Platform, it is important to take a similarly long term view to developing its role, programme, audiences and profile, capitalising on the opportunities available. 

As a result of the review, which has been multi-dimensional, a number of actions have already been taken or are underway.  Further information to allow Cabinet to consider in what way the Platform can support the future development of the wider surrounding area will be presented during early 2017/18.

Councillor Clifford proposed, seconded by Councillor Leytham:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with the following revisions to recommendation (2):

·         Add ‘of 1 year’ after ‘for a fixed term period’

·         Add ‘or reserves’ after ‘or through additional income”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Cabinet notes the details of the Platform review, including its findings and the early improvements undertaken. 

(2)             That Cabinet supports:-

-       the principle of providing additional marketing capacity, for a fixed term period of one year, to be funded either from within existing resources or through additional income or reserves, and authorises appropriate flexibility regarding budget virement if so needed;

-       the business case for longer term provision being considered in the context of the overall development of the wider are surrounding the Platform.

(3)             That Cabinet confirms the overall role and purpose of the Platform as an entertainment and community venue, as well as an important contributor to Morecambe’s Place offer, quality of life and attractiveness for visitors.

(4)             That a further report is provided to Cabinet as part of the next phase of the budget process, proposing a Vision for the way in which the Platform can support the future development of the Morecambe urban area, in the context of increased private sector interests, significantly improved connectivity and the raised profile of Morecambe as a place to live and to visit.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision supports the following Council Priorities:

Community Leadership

·         Maintain a financially stable position and strong financial forecast for the delivery of council services – Review and refresh internal processes and systems to drive efficiency and cost savings

Sustainable Economic Growth

·         Sustainable economic growth and jobs will be created in key sectors including….the visitor economy – Regenerate central Morecambe through the Morecambe Area Action Plan

·         The attractiveness and offer of the district as a place to visit or invest will be improved – Evaluate economic impact, delivery and funding of the arts in the district

·         Lancaster and Morecambe Bay will be recognised as important visitor destinations – Increase the number of visitors to the district and visitor spend in the district