Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure seeking to update Members on the existing culture and leisure provision and for them to consider future options.

RESOLVED that: 

(1)       the report is accepted and the actions noted 

(2)       the contract period with Aspire Leisure and Culture trust is extended by a further 12 months on the condition that a Partnership Development Plan is agreed for the duration of this extension 

(3)       agreement is given to follow the recommended route to procure a new leisure contract from an external provider 

(4)       in-house service is retained for Cultural services, whilst services are transformed in line with the Council Plan and options for future delivery of cultural provision are explored

(5)       delegated authority to implement these recommendations is given to the Head of Culture in consultation with the Director of Policy & Resources and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.  

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that updated Members on the existing culture and leisure provision and presented options for future provision.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure summarised the key findings and proposals within the report.  He noted that the independent assessment by market leaders in the field had recognised Gloucester to be on the right track and provided focus for further progress.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure commented that the recommendations would allow Aspire Leisure and Culture Trust a breathing space to recover from the COVID pandemic and for the council to concentrate on developing the Guildhall and Museum of Gloucester thus exploiting the opportunity to get things right and build on the success of the recent regeneration of Kings Square.  The Cabinet Member for Environment informed Members that he considered Aspire to have done great work so far and that he would be glad to work with them into the future.

RESOLVED that: 

(1)       the report is accepted and the actions noted 

(2)       the contract period with Aspire Leisure and Culture trust is extended by a further 12 months on the condition that a Partnership Development Plan is agreed for the duration of this extension 

(3)       agreement is given to follow the recommended route to procure a new leisure contract from an external provider 

(4)       in-house service is retained for Cultural services, whilst services are transformed in line with the Council Plan and options for future delivery of cultural provision are explored

(5)       delegated authority to implement these recommendations is given to the Head of Culture in consultation with the Director of Policy & Resources and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.