Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 2

1 July 2004

Capital Grant for The Plaza Theatre, Romsey

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Michael Fuller Ext:6016 [email protected]

1. Summary

The following Decision is sought:

That a capital grant of £10,000 be made to The Plaza Theatre, Romsey.

2. Reason

To assist with the costs of installing an air conditioning system for the Theatre so that the standard of customer care is improved for those attending in the summer months.

The work at The Plaza supports the Corporate Strategy elements of improving the quality of life for residents of the county, maximising life opportunities through its development of local talents and building a strong community with local people running the Centre.

3. Other options considered and rejected

Providing no grant aid support. This was rejected as incompatible with the desire to provide arts facilities across the county accessible to as many residents as possible.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: (signature) Date: (date of decision)

................................. ..............................

Councillor J. Waddington

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 2

1 July 2004

Capital Grant for The Plaza Theatre, Romsey

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Michael Fuller Ext: 6016

1. Introduction

1.1 An approach has been made to Hampshire County Council for funding towards the installation of an air conditioning system for the Plaza Theatre, Romsey. This report describes the scheme and recommends financial support for the capital improvement.

2. The Proposal for Air Conditioning at The Plaza Theatre, Romsey

2.1 The Plaza Theatre is an amateur run facility on Winchester Road, Romsey. It is a converted cinema run by a voluntary committee programming a series of own produced amateur shows including a popular annual pantomime. In addition to the productions staged by the Theatre Company, RAODS, founded in 1934 but in ownership of The Plaza since 1982, have presented a great diversity of performing arts. During the last twelve months the Theatre has hosted brass bands, a ballet school, a BBC film unit, an operetta concert, the All England Theatre Festival and much more.

2.2 The building itself is an Art Deco designed facility and good example of its type. The Company is responsible for all the physical maintenance and improvement for which it has a fundraising programme. The schedule of improvements are aimed at Accessibility, Health and Safety, Security and Hygiene at the venue. In addition they have a developing Capital Project programme to enhance the visitor and performer experience whilst using the facility.

2.3 RAODS has made substantial Health and Safety investments in 2003/04 with PAT testing, independent certification of the 1.5 tonne load-bearing capability of the suspended stage grid structure, development of the infra-red hearing appliances and extra storage within the workshop building. Plans for the next year include an upgrade for the intruder alarm system with a transfer to a local company, changes to the emergency lighting system, the installation of safety barriers for the scenery loading area, improved disabled access and continuing the programme of upgrading of the electrical fusing and distribution boards.

2.4 The County Council has supported the Plaza Theatre over the years with one off funding in response to requests from RAODS. Policy and Resources Committee provided £2,000 for new lighting in 1995 and £5,000 for millennium compliant computer equipment for the Society's treasurer and refurbishment of the front steps to the Theatre with handrails and a new terrazzo surface. For this funding the Hampshire County Council logo has been featured in the regular brochure and on the website.

2.5 The application for funding for capital improvements currently made is for the upgrade of the Plaza Theatre's ventilation system to provide true air conditioning. 'Air Improve' of Hyde Street, Winchester has provided an indicative price of £40,000 for this work and RAODS are now fundraising for this target. The company are willing to use their own resources from their annual activity to fund their scheme. However, such a large target needs funding from other sources and they are now applying to other funding bodies and charities. Letters and forms are being sent to Arts Council England, South East, Awards for All, Test Valley Arts Foundation, Waitrose/John Lewis Partnership and Lloyds TSB Foundation. Information on the success of these may be available later.

3. Capital Funding

3.1 The costings for the air conditioning amount to two elements of approximately £20,000 each to cool the stage area and the auditorium. Air Improve of Winchester visited the Theatre in January this year. The installation can be done in two phases with the first being for the auditorium and the second when funding permits.

3.2 The first application has been made to Hampshire County Council. Other funding will be forthcoming through the rest of this year. RAODS are expecting to install the first phase this summer with their own reserves being matched by the County Council at £10,000 each.

3.3 Other funding has been sought over the past month though no awards have been received. Applications are being made to Awards for All and to Arts Council England, South East. The Test Valley Arts Foundation does not fund capital schemes and Test Valley Borough Council does not have any funds currently. Responses from Lloyds TSB Foundation and Waitrose have brought a negative and a possible funding response.

4. Financial Implications

4.1 The cost estimates of the renovation are reasonable for the scale of this project. The Recreation and Heritage Capital Programme contains sufficient funds for a £10,000 allocation in 2004/05 for a capital grant to The Plaza Theatre/RAODS for the air conditioning installation.

4.2 It is recommended that the grant is made subject to condition that the funding is requested of other funding bodies including Test Valley Arts Foundation and Arts Council England, South East.

5. Legal Implications

5.1 The County Council is able to utilise broad powers under the Local Government Act 1972 to provide financial support for the arts. In particular, Section 145 of the Act enables the Council to contribute towards the expenses of doing anything necessary or expedient for any of a number of purposes, including the provision of entertainment of any nature, or the provision of a theatre, concert hall, dance hall or other premises suitable for entertainment. The powers include the ability to contribute towards the expenses of maintaining a band or orchestra and towards the development and improvement of the knowledge, understanding and practice of the arts.

6. The Views of the Local Members

6.1 Councillor Liz Barron says she is keen to see this application supported. She identifies that the County Council is only being asked for 25% of the costs showing the local support in partnership with the Council. She thinks the service is a credit to the volunteers who run the Theatre. Councillor Alan Dowden says he wants this scheme to have full support at the £10,000 level.

7. Hampshire County Council's Corporate Strategy

7.1 The proposals to repair and improve the facilities at the Phoenix blend well with the overall ambition of the Corporate Strategy in that it intends to increase the quality of life of the people of the county especially those who live near Romsey. The Centre maximises life opportunities through its programme. It contributes to the building of strong communities with the opportunity it provides for local people to run the facility by being on the managing committee as well as turning up to help through the week running the bar, café and theatre. There are also chances of joining the programme of drama productions.

Recommendation

That a capital grant of £10,000 be made to The Plaza Theatre for the improvements of the Theatre to enable it to continue its programme of arts activities for people in Romsey and district.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

N.B. the list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE LOCATION

The Plaza Theatre Application Arts Office file

Additional information and quotation Arts Office file