Minute 602 (Cabinet Book 1 – Agenda Item 13 refers)

Referred direct by Cabinet

The Committee considered Minute 602 of the meeting of Cabinet held on 10th January 2017, which had been referred direct to Scrutiny by Cabinet, together with the report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) informing Members of the proposal for Jazz Centre (UK) to develop and expand its programme to take over areas of the lower ground floor of the Beecroft Centre, Victoria Avenue.

Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

“1.  That, in principle, the Jazz Centre (UK) proposal to extend its presence beyond the current single room on the Lower Ground Floor of the Beecroft Centre, be approved.

2.  That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, be authorised to approve the terms of a lease, based on the terms negotiated and recommended by Asset Management.

3.  That the future aspirations of Jazz Centre UK to further develop a Jazz Club for Southend into a regular performance space subject to future self-funding and planning considerations, be noted.”

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Executive Councillor:- Holland

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) informing Members of the proposal for Jazz Centre (UK) to develop and expand its programme to take over areas of the lower ground floor of the Beecroft Centre, Victoria Avenue.

Resolved:-

1.    That, in principle, the Jazz Centre (UK) proposal to extend its presence beyond the current single room on the Lower Ground Floor of the Beecroft Centre, be approved.

2.    That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, be authorised to approve the terms of a lease, based on the terms negotiated and recommended by Asset Management.

3.    That the future aspirations of Jazz Centre UK to further develop a Jazz Club for Southend into a regular performance space subject to future self-funding and planning considerations, be noted.

Reason for Decision

1.    To support, in principle, the Jazz Centre UK’s aspirations so it can progress fundraising and business planning.

2.    To provide a new cultural facility and asset to the town for the express purpose of developing jazz in the Borough, without any capital investment required by the local authority.

3.    To encourage cultural tourism to the town, with the associated social and economic benefits this could bring to the Borough.

4.    To enable increased community use of an existing civic building.

5.    The former Central Library has proved to be a successful site for the Beecroft Gallery, and additional investment in these facilities is important to improve the cultural offer in central Southend.

Other Options

To continue with the current arrangement and lose the opportunity of improving the cultural offer in Southend.

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor:- Holland