Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the final cost of phase 1 works for the refurbishment of the Grand Theatre and on proposals for phase 2 of the works.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the final cost of phase one works for the refurbishment of the Grand Theatre and on proposals for phase two of the works to continue the refurbishment of the theatre and renovate the adjacent Assembly Room.

The Director of City Development reported that the estimated construction and total project costs for the phase 2 works were within the total budget provision.

In presenting the report the Executive Member (Leisure) reported because of timing arrangements in relation to the contract there could be significant cost implications if this decision was to be subject to Call In.

RESOLVED –

a.)  That the revised estimated final cost of the phase 1 works at £22,365,000 be noted;

b.)  That a fully funded injection of £19,605 into existing capital scheme no. 03611/PH1/000 and the incurring of expenditure on the phase 1 works to refurbish the Grand Theatre be authorised;

c.)  That the current position regarding the proposed phase 2 works to refurbish Leeds Grand Theatre and adjacent Assembly Room be noted;

d.)  That the Council be authorised to conclude a grant agreement with the Arts Council England for a grant of £2,200,000 towards the cost of refurbishing the Leeds Grand Theatre and adjacent Assembly Room;

e.)  That an injection of £400,000 into existing capital scheme no. 03611/PH2/000 to be funded from Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Ltd and the Opera North and Leeds Grand Theatre Development Trust;

f.)  That, subject to concluding grant funding agreements with Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, authorisation be given to entering into a building works contract with the preferred participating contractor and to authorise total expenditure of £10,459,000 from existing capital scheme no. 03611/PH2/000 on the proposed refurbishment of Leeds Grand Theatre and Assembly Room;

g.)  That it be noted that the Council will be responsible for any cost overruns that may occur on the project that cannot be contained within the phase 2 project budget of £10,664,000.

h.)  That this decision be exempt from the provisions of Call In.