Issue - meetings

Report of Strategic Director Environment & Community

Summary

To consider progress of the Banbury Cultural Quarter and the Council’s contribution to it.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To continue to offer its full support to delivering a Banbury Cultural Quarter in conjunction with Oxfordshire County Council and the Mill Management Committee;

(2)               To agree in principle, subject to a funding agreement, to enhance the County Council’s new library/Mill project with up to £2m of capital funding; and

(3)               To authorise the Strategic Director Environment and Community in consultation with the Head of Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Recreation and Health to negotiate and conclude the final terms of the funding agreement.

Recommendations Approved

The Strategic Director Environment and Community submitted a report to consider progress of the Banbury Cultural Quarter and the Council’s contribution to it.

Resolved

(1)               That the Council continue to offer its full support to delivering a Banbury Cultural Quarter in conjunction with Oxfordshire County Council and the Mill Management Committee;

(2)               That it be agreed in principle, subject to a funding agreement, to enhance the County Council’s new library/Mill project with up to £2m of capital funding;

(3)               That the Strategic Director Environment and Community in consultation with the Head of Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Recreation and Health be authorised to negotiate and conclude the final terms of the funding agreement.

Reasons

The opening of the new Spiceball Leisure Centre, the ongoing success of the Banbury Museum and the County Council’s intention to create a new and vibrant arts and library centre at The Mill will create sufficient collective recreational and cultural activity to form a basis of a Cultural Quarter for the town.  Further developments of a complementary nature such as improved car parking and adjacent commercial developments will enhance the Cultural Quarter accessibility and attractiveness. Additional funding for the new library/Mill development is required if it is to achieve its full potential and meet more fully the future needs of local people. 

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