Issue - meetings

(A report of Phil Perry, Assistant Director – Culture and Leisure)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Sarah Sharpe.

The Portfolio Holder – Culture presented the Guildhall Action Plan which had been developed to facilitate residents and visitors in delivering as much benefit as possible from the Guildhall whilst achieving this through an approach that supported the most economic, efficient, effective working practices possible. It was confirmed that it had been developed as a ‘live document’ and would continually be developed in order to support accountability within the service to strategically and operationally deliver what was required.

The Cabinet support raising the profile of the Guildhall to bring it in line with St Botolph’s Church.

Following Member comments the Portfolio Holder, with support from the Community Development Manager, Cultural Services & Communities confirmed that;

• The plan was to keep the tourist information centre in the Guildhall.
• The Guildhall remained closed on a Sunday due to staffing related budgets. The opening times were being considered as part of the review within the action plan.
• Some of the projects were already underway.
• It had been proposed that Signage be upgraded to ensure tourists could find the Guildhall.
• Promotional ideas were being discussed along with events in conjunction with the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) to promote the Guildhall.
• The Manager of the Guildhall had multiple remits which was why his hours superseded the opening times of the Guildhall.
• Signage would be added to the main door as part of the rebranding to inform the Public that the entrance was down the side of the building.
• Plans were in place to increase the amount of merchandise sold.
• Weddings reduced as a result of COVID-19.
• Through the NPO funding the Guildhall would be receiving Museum grade cabinets which would allow them to display other Museums’ exhibitions.

RESOLVED:

That the Guildhall Action Plan be approved.