Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding Winchester Discovery Centre.

The Panel considered a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services (item 10 in the minute book) regarding Winchester Discovery Centre and to recommend approval by the Executive Member for Commercial Strategy, Property and Estates.

The Director introduced the report and explained how Winchester Discovery Centre was run and managed, with the building first opening in 2007.

Members learned how the Trust would be able to run the Centre for longer hours, making it more accessible. The proposals would also offer a long-term saving for the County Council, but could be reversed should it not be felt the best way forward.

Members supported the proposals.

RESOLVED

The Panel recommended that the Executive Member for Commercial Strategy, Estates and Property:

a.    Give approval to the project proposals set out in this report at a total cost of £515,000.

b.    Approve the property arrangements by which the operational responsibility for WDC is transferred to Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) (including the nature and duration of tenure).

c.    Approve the proposals contained in the exempt Appendix.