Agenda item - Royal Pavilion Estate Capital Project Phase 2 Update

Report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached)

That Tourism, Development & Culture Committee notes the progress made to date on the Royal Pavilion Estate capital project and the works taking place at Brighton Dome to complete Phase 1 outlined in paragraph 3.6.

That Tourism, Development & Culture Committee notes the recommendations agreed by Policy, Resources & Growth Committee on 30 November 2017 described in paragraph 3.1.

48.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in the relation to the Royal Pavilion Estate Capital Project Phase 2. The report updated the Committee on the progress made on the project and described the planned Phase 2 works and accompanying funding strategy.

48.2    In response to Councillor Nemeth the City Regeneration Programme Manager explained that the council were in regular contact with the Pavilion Gardens Café and the Chair had consulted with the owner twice. The Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture added that any groups could request further engagement from officers.

48.3    Councillor Allen explained that he agreed with Councillor Nemeth regarding the consultation with the café owner and raised concerns regarding the access to the Royal Pavilion Gardens for the café owner in the morning. The Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture explained that the council had an obligation in the lease to ensure the café owner would have access and be able to operate. He noted that a written confirmation could be provided to the Committee outlining the café owner’s rights if it was of interest.

48.4    Councillor Mears welcomed the written confirmation and explained that there were previous proposals to alter the Royal Pavilion Gardens, including the removal of the café. She explained that the café had been in the gardens for many years and it was a concern that it would be removed in the near future. The Chair confirmed that officers were ensuring the café was retained and would be a viable business and that as Chair, he would ensure the café was prevented from ever being shut. The Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture noted that the lease with the café had been extended and was protected during this time.

48.5    Councillor Druitt explained that it was important to allow the café time and space to set up before operating. He noted concern for when there was a ticketed event in the Royal Pavilion Gardens as the café could be impacted by this. He suggested that the café should be involved in the events and as it would be an opportunity for the café. It was explained to Councillor Druitt that the officers were committed to engaging with the café regarding ticketed events and under the terms on the lease it stated that the council needed to give the café owner access to operate its business.

48.6    In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty the City Regeneration Programme Manager confirmed that the findings that were discovered during the renovation of the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange were photographed and recorded. A well and soakaways were found on site and were recorded in the archaeology report, which would be signed off by the County Archaeologist when the renovation was completed. The records would be a public document and would be available online and on the planning register.

48.7    The Chair put the recommendations to the vote and these were carried unanimously.

48.8    RESOLVED –

1)    That the Committee notes the progress made to date on the Royal Pavilion Estate capital project and the works taking place at Brighton Dome to complete Phase 1 outlined in paragraph 3.6.

2)    That the Committee notes the recommendations agreed by Policy, Resources & Growth Committee on 30 November 2017 described in paragraph 3.1.