The Director of Finance and Business Improvement introduced the report, highlighting the cultural significance of Archbishops Palace to the town centre. The ongoing works and investment into the local vicinity, such as at the Lockmeadow Complex, were referenced.

The Council wished to have a plan in place for when Kent County Council (KCC) vacated the premises in September 2022.  Following a Member Briefing held in February 2022, Option 5 of the report had been added in response to the comments. It combined elements from a number of the other options.

A public consultation on the building’s future use would take place, following which potential partner organisations would be invited to submit an ‘Expression of Interest’. It was hoped that these would include viable and suitable ideas, rather than the council having to develop proposals that an operator might not be able to deliver.  

The Committee would be consulted on the expressions received in January 2022, with an exclusivity agreement to be entered into with the preferred provider. This would allow the Council to begin any necessary building work immediately following KCC’s departure. 

The Committee supported the consultation exercises proposed due to the importance of the venue in contributing to the town’s community and cultural offerings. Specific attention was drawn to the surrounding buildings, and the synergy needed to promote the area as a whole.

It was felt that an additional multi-use option was needed, that further took into account the feedback given at the Member briefing. The potential financial benefits of a multi-use facility were highlighted, in part due to the building’s £200,000 annual maintenance cost. 

Members requested that the results of the public consultation be brought back to the Committee prior to inviting Expressions of Interest. Further officer delegations in relation to the exclusivity agreement could be provided at a later stage of the process.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The feasibility report for proposed new uses of the Archbishops Palace shown at Appendix 1, subject to the addition of a sixth option as outlined below:

‘that an additional option of mixed use be added, with this mixed use being to use the building for weddings/receptions, a café, arts space, exhibition and gallery spaces and to enable interpretation of the building, to give the widest public access’, be noted; and

2.  A public consultation be carried out as described in paragraph 2.35 of the report, including consideration of how potential users interact with All-Saints Church and the Tithe Barn Carriage Museum;

Note: Councillor Round left the meeting at the conclusion of this item.