Interviews with Councillor Eric Hotson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Neil Harris, Head of Democratic Services and David Tibbit, Property and Procurement Manager.   

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting, Neil Harris, Democratic Services Manager, Steve Goulette, Assistant Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, and Eric Hotson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services to the meeting.

Mr Harris informed the Committee that he had been tasked with maximising income at the Town Hall, outlining that the building was currently mostly used by members in the evening for civic functions with some limited daytime use as an additional meeting facility for the Council. Members noted that there were also a small number of businesses that hired the town hall for Annual General Meetings (AGM’s).

Mr Harris said that to provide a commercial option the town hall would need to be available for hire between 8:30am and 17:00pm. It was noted that the facilities available were good, with microphones, internet access and large screens. The Committee raised the issue of car parking, concerned that people would not use a conference centre without this facility. The Committee was informed that discussions had been held with the parking manager and that spaces in one of the town centre car parks could be included as part of the hire.

The issue of security was also raised by the Committee, concerned about the decor and historic artefacts stored at the Town Hall. Members were informed that liability insurance was in place and although it would be unfortunate if the decor was damaged there had been no problems in the past in repairing or restoring parts of the building when necessary. It was noted that the trophy cabinets were individually alarmed but if the decision was made to pursue external hiring of the Town Hall that security would be increased and that there would always be someone available to supervise whatever event was happening. 

The Committee was curious on how the letting of the Town Hall could work in conjunction with events happening at Jubilee Square and ensuring availability of the hall for council meetings. Mr Harris informed the Committee that he was expecting bookings to be made at least six months in advance and that the primary function of the Town Hall would be for Council and Civic functions. The Committee considered the marketing of facility would be key to success, and that it was unlikely that the costs of the Town Hall would be covered through such a venture but that it could increase income. Councillor Hotson confirmed that the aim was to enhance usage of the Town Hall and not to close it. 

The Committee asked about the financial implications of moving the Visitor Information Centre (ViC) back to Town Hall and was informed that it would cost at least £168,000 in the first year to bring it back. This included £117,000 for staff and £51,000 to re-fit the space.

Members were made aware of the actions that had preceded Volunteer Action Maidstone being in the old ViC area and expressed reservations over the general appearance of the area, they took on board that as the agreement was not formal, that there was no incentive for VAM to invest in the downstairs area where the ViC desk had previously been located.

It was suggest that a more holistic approach to Visitor Information should be adopted, with a broader look at what Maidstone had to offer. One member suggested that there could be an opportunity for the Town hall to provide an element of Visitor Information through volunteers.

Resolved: That the discussion is noted as part of the Review of the Visitor Information Centre Review.