North Yorkshire Council
Executive
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 12th March 2024 commencing at 11.00 am.
Councillor Carl Les in the Chair. plus Councillors Gareth Dadd, Michael Harrison, Simon Myers, Janet Sanderson, David Chance, Keane Duncan, Greg White and Annabel Wilkinson.
In attendance: Councillors David Ireton and Sam Gibbs.
Officers present: Elizabeth Jackson, Karl Battersby, Stuart Carlton, Gary Fielding, Richard Flinton, Richard Webb, Melanie Carr, Daniel Harry, Nic Harne, Nick Edwards and Paula Lorimer.
Apologies: Councillor Derek Bastiman and Barry Khan.
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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408 |
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Councillor Derek Bastiman.
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409 |
Minutes of the Meeting held on 20 February 2024
Resolved –
That the public Minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2024, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and confirmed by the Chairman as a correct record.
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410 |
Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
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411 |
Public Participation
There were no public questions or statements.
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412 |
Harrogate Convention Centre Redevelopment
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director of Resources providing an update on the outcome of the final tendered price and programme for phase 1 of the redevelopment project for Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) and seeking a decision on whether or not to accept the contract price and enter into contract for the works.
Councillor Gareth Dadd introduced the report and Nick Edwards provided a detailed overview of the current position of HCC, the need for significant investment, the current subsidy arrangements, the escalation in costs for the planned phased approach and the lack of any matched funding/external funding. He confirmed that in light of the above, the draft Business Case had been updated and the consultants had confirmed they were no longer in favour of proceeding with Phase I. Instead it was proposed that the opportunities should be re-appraised and assessed through soft market testing.
Paula Lorimer - Director of Harrogate Convention Centre outlined the issues with the Centre and drew attention to the disruption to forward bookings that would come with phase I of the works, and the significant associated risks. She confirmed her view that there were better ways of investing tactically that would enable the redevelopment of individual parts of the Centre, on a year by year basis thereby creating less disruption.
Executive Members acknowledged the extensive work on the project to date and were pleased to note the upturn in revenue performance and the Director of Harrogate Convention Centre’s confidence in the model and commitment to finding suitable investment, though not at any cost.
Councillor Michael Harrison stressed the importance of the Council’s investment in the Centre for its economic impact on the Harrogate area and the wider region.
Having considered the report in full, and having noted the importance the HCC site had on the economic GVA for Harrogate, its impact on the public purse and of providing best value to the NY taxpayer, the Executive
Resolved the recommendations in the report i.e. that:
i) The outcome of the final tendered price and programme for phase 1 of the redevelopment project for HCC be noted. ii) The £57m construction contract for phase 1 improvements not be progressed, accepting this would not be an end to investment in HCC. iv) Pending the outcome of (iii) above, a planned improvement programme for HCC be considered, concentrating upon essential, timely building requirements with a commercial approach to future working. v) Asset risks continue to be established, monitored, and managed until a longer-term solution could be agreed.
In addition, the Executive agreed the future new Mayor for North Yorkshire should also be involved in securing the future of Harrogate Convention Centre, and it was
Resolved – That
vi) The Chief Executive write to all declared Mayoral candidates after close of nominations, outlining the position around Harrogate Convention Centre and seeking their support in principle should they be elected, in securing a resolution that preserves the economic benefit of the asset.
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413 |
Forward Plan
Considered –
The Forward Plan for the period 4 March 2024 to 31 March 2025 was presented.
Resolved - That the Forward Plan be noted.
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414 |
Date of Next Meeting - 19 March 2024
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The meeting concluded at 11.35 am.