Purpose

Allocation of funds to
undertake market testing, options appraisal and develop a revenue
model for the Rotherham Theatre.
 

Decision

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

27th February
2025
 

Title:

Feasibility Fund –
Theatre Allocation
 

Decision Maker:
(Including Job
Title)

Andrew Bramidge, Strategic
Director for Regeneration & Environment
 
 

Details of Specific Cabinet
Delegation
or Delegation contained in the
relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.
 

The
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have allocated
£3m revenue to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as a
‘Feasibility Fund’. A grant agreement has been signed
to accept the funding and this report seeks to exercise delegation
to the Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment in
consultation with the Leader of the Council and Assistant Director
Financial Services to allocate £24,999 of this fund to undertake market testing and options
appraisals for the provision of a performing arts venue in
Rotherham Town Centre.
 
In
line with the approved delegation the following have been
consulted:-
 
Leader of the Council – 14.2.25
Assistant Director Financial Services – 14.3.25
Cabinet Member for Transport,
Jobs & Local Economy – 14.2.25

Decision:

To allocate £24,999 of
the Feasibility Fund to further development and market testing
related to the future plans for Rotherham Civic Theatre.
 

Reasons for the
Decision:

To ensure a robust business
case for any future developments relating to Rotherham Civic
Theatre
 

Details of alternative
options considered and rejected:

Do nothing – The
Council’s Asset Management service has advised the current
building may come to the end of its useful life within the next ten
years, requiring significant repairs to the roof and structure to
remain operational. To not progress the feasibility work could see
the Council invest significant capital to restore a building that
is not fit for purpose or could mark the end of performing arts
provision in Rotherham Town centre as the repairs could be so
costly they are prohibitive.
 
Progress with the development
of proposed plans – Building on the initial Feasibility Study
which identified potential locations, sizes and use of a possible
new, work could progress to the next phase of development. However,
without the appropriate due diligence the identified site and
offer
may present a future revenue
challenge for the Council and is therefore too great a risk to take
forward.
 
Invest in market testing and
detailed options appraisal – this is the recommended options
which will enable the Council to explore options for a future
performing arts provision in the Town centre that are both
financially robust and fit for the market.
 

Conflicts of interest
declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker
which relates to the decision:

N/A

Dispensations
Granted:
(If any)

N/A
 

Reports or parts of
reports considered

The report of the Strategic
Director for Regeneration & Environment – Feasibility
Fund Allocation: Rotherham Civic Theatre

 
I
certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to
allocate £24,999 of the Feasibility Fund to further
development and market testing related to the future plans for
Rotherham Civic Theatre.
 
Signed by the
Decision Maker          

Dated: 27th February 2025
 
Name:
Andrew Bramidge                                 
Job
Title: Strategic Director for
Regeneration & Environment