Issue - meetings

The Interim Strategic Property Consultant introduced the report and noted that the public consultation on the proposed future use of Archbishops Palace was open until the 31 October 2021. The consultation had been advertised on the Council’s website and social media, with posters and flyers provided at venues with high footfall.

The results received had given a good indication of the public’s preferred option, with the six options included in the consultation outlined. An additional 38 responses had been received since the report’s publication with further responses expected before the consultation’s end. The consultation allowed respondents to suggest alternative uses for consideration.

In response to questions, the Director of Finance and Business Improvement confirmed that the Committee would be able to provide feedback on the  Expressions of Interest (EOI) received, which would be passed to the organisations that had submitted the EOIs.

Several Members of the Committee felt that the results of the public consultation should have been presented after the consultation’s end, as many individuals and organisations had not yet submitted a response. The importance of responses from organisations that represented the Community were highlighted.

During the debate, the historical significance of the building and its contribution to the local community and cultural and economic prosperity of the town centre was highlighted. However, the importance of a commercially viable option to support its continued use and maintenance was reiterated.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The outcomes of the consultation be noted;

2.  Officers will incorporate the results of the consultation when inviting Expressions of Interest from developers and consultants to carry out the Stage 1 project work at Archbishop Palace, be noted; and

3.  A full report of the consultation responses be presented to the Committee as part of the Expressions of Interest presented in January 2022.