Issue - meetings

(i)         That the progress with Astley Centre for Circus & Performing Arts be noted.

(ii)        That the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for

Finance, Town Centres for All and Growth, be authorised to take the necessary steps to make 23-25 Merrial Street available to the Philip Astley Projects CIC as a heritage centre for a period of up to 3 years at a

peppercorn rent, and to work up detailed proposals for their occupation of a unit in the redeveloped York Place beyond that term, to be approved at a future meeting of Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth introduced a report giving an update on progress with the delivery of the Astley Centre for Circus and Performing Arts and to consider the next steps.

Funding had been secured to redevelop the former Nat West Bank on the corner of Fogg Street as a temporary home for the Astley Centre until the York Place development was completed.

The Leader stated that this was one of the highlights of the Town Deal application, raising an individuality aspect for the bid.  The Astley Centre would tie in with the history of the town and also the 850 celebrations.

Resolved:       (i)         That the progress with Astley Centre for Circus & Performing

Arts be noted.

(ii)        That the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres for All and Growth, be authorised to take the necessary steps to make 23-25 Merrial Street available to the Philip Astley Projects CIC as a heritage centre for a period of up to 3 years at a peppercorn rent, and to work up detailed proposals for their occupation of a unit in the redeveloped York Place beyond that term, to be approved at a future meeting of Cabinet.

Watch the debate here