The Leisure Manager introduced the report and updated the Committee on the activities resuming at the Hazlitt Arts Centre. In line with the easing of restrictions, community activities had resumed including dance and youth theatre and shows were returning to the theatre from June 2021, although ticket sales had been slow. Challenges to the theatre industry including the furloughing of staff had led to a decrease in the availability of shows, but September 2021 would see the return of a busy programme of events. The request for the contract to be varied would give flexibility to the venue while moving towards recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

Parkwood Leisure had been successful in their bid to the Culture Recovery Fund, having been awarded £620,000 for its four theatres.

The Committee felt that the variation of the contract would aid in the recovery of the Hazlitt Arts Centre and in consolidating the good relationship with Parkwood Leisure.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Council enters into a Deed of Variation with Parkwood Leisure, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, with the Hazlitt Arts Centre services contract varied for the period up to 30 September 2021; and

2.  The Council pays no additional contract sum to Parkwood Leisure for the delivery of the varied services contract.