Issue - meetings

Councillor Craig Fennell referred Members to the elements of his brief as Business Portfolio Holder and highlighted the following:

(i)            The Camberley Theatre – There had been a change of management at the Camberley Theatre and a conceptual change on food and drink provision. The food service, including lunchtime provision, which had been opened 18 months previously, with an external food provider, had not proved a success and the food service had been scaled back.

Consideration had been given to seat replacement, with options including refurbishment or replacement. The cheapest option proved to be replacement at a cost or approximately £100,000.

The Pantomime had achieved a net profit of approximately £35,000. Efforts continued to reduce the subsidy needed for the Theatre and the venue would celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2016.

The Committee sought clarification on the following:

§    Subsidy Reduction – Members requested a breakdown of Corporate Overheads, in terms of cost and allocation;

§    On-line Booking – Following experience of difficulties in booking and seat selection/allocation, Members sought a breakdown of how this service operated and any plans for improvement;

§    The Future – Members queried the requirement to have a Theatre and sought an indication of the Council’s commitment to this venue, going forward.

(ii)           Green Space – The Green Space Team operated and maintained a number of parks in the Borough. Recent developments include the opening of 3G pitch facilities. The business plan had set an occupancy target of 60%. To date, £79,000 had been accrued, but expenditure had been reduced, giving a net profit of £44,000 against an expected return of £37,000.

Pistachio’s Café – The contract for this venue, in Frimley Lodge Park, had been put out to tender and it was anticipated that a new partner would be opening the Café again within 6 weeks’ time.

Lightwater Country Park – The Visitors Centre was currently the subject of a major revamp, including an extension and refurbishment of toilet and café facilities.

Events – It was planned to drive revenue gain through more events in the Council’s parks.

Arena Leisure Centre – The Centre contract had been extended by 3 years, to allow time to consider future options.

Leisure Leases – The Green Space Team advised property officers on ability to pay when leisure leases were re-issued.

Sports Development – The Council’s Sports Development Officer was heavily involved in pushing forward and developing sports in the Borough. Sports demand across the Borough was evolving, with some seeing participation in decline, such as football, but others growing, such as adult netball which had seen growth of 20%.

The Committee sought clarification on the following:

§    Model Railway – Frimley Lodge Park – It was understood that the miniature railway had previously had operating difficulties, particularly in terms of opening times. Members requested an update on this facility;

§    Walking Football – Given the growth of Walking Football for the over 50s, Members sought assurances that suitable venues would be considered in the Borough;

§  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28