Agenda and minutes

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note: Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no disclosures of interests from Members of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 25 September 2018 be approved and adopted.

– to receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on issues relating to the responsibility of this Committee (see note overleaf).

Richard Baker, speaking on behalf of the City of Winchester Trust, in summary stated that the brief for the Strategic Adviser should have focus and a single brief to work on the Central Winchester Regeneration Area rather across other Council projects; it should have emphasis to reflect the brief of the Supplemental Planning Document (SPD) and it should have a timetable for appointment so that momentum on the project was not lost.

Tim Fell, in summary, spoke of his role on the Advisory Panel for the lower High Street and Broadway.  He expressed disappoint that a recommendation to open up the waterways underneath the CWR site was not brought to this Committee.  He also expressed disappointment that Report CAB3106 did not recommend to seek tenders from urban design specialists, to look at the Lower High Street and Broadway, with consideration to its medieval layout.

Terry Gould, in summary stated that the appointment of a Strategic Advisor should not be driven by the more technical aspects of commercialism and needed to reflect overall planning urban design.  He explained that at the Meanwhile Use Advisory Panel, of which he was a member, there was good discussion and he was looking forward to its next meeting.  He welcomed the ideas that were being discussed for the bus station site and the old Friarsgate Surgery site, as well as the Broadway works.

The Chairman stated that the points raised above would be covered in the Progress Report - CAB3106 (CWR) and thanked the public speakers for their contributions.

Councillor Horrill informed the meeting that part of the former Antiques Market was being used by The Nutshell as a meanwhile use.

Harriet Morris and Hannah Harding from The Nutshell were present at the meeting and gave a short presentation on the work that was being carried out to promote the Antiques Market as a performance space.

In summary, it was stated that the Antiques Market had been used by The Nutshell from September 2018.  Challenges had been the heating of the premises, dealing with the acoustics of the building when two floors were in use and fundraising (with £15,000 raised to date).

There had been success in hiring out the space to local groups including the Youth Theatre Company and the Theatre Royal who had use the premise’s studio space to rehearse its Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.  Two shows had also been staged at the premises and had sold out with 75 people attending each.  The shows had generated excitement in local people and a comprehensive performance programme for the New Year was being devised, including productions to involve young people, acting lessons, mothers with babies, arts and crafts and groups to combat loneliness.

There had been support and sponsorship from local organisations, and The Nutshell had featured on BBC television.  The Wessex Hotel had donated chairs for the venture and Travelbag had donated office furniture, with Warrens and local paint shops also providing assistance.  It was working in partnership with the Theatre Royal, Unit 12, The Guildhall and the Railway Inn, which increased the vibrancy of arts provision in Winchester.

The Nutshell’s website was https://www.thenutshellwinchester.com and the Chairman stated that the Council would help promote its performance programme through its own social media.

The presenters gave their thanks to Melissa Jepson and Graeme Todd in the City Council’s Estates Department for helping them to get established.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.