Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 19, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)              That Subject to the budget allocation, works towards the refurbishment of The Capitol Theatre and equipment for the operation of the venue as detailed in section 3 of this report be approved   ii)             The award of contracts (required to facilitate the recommended refurbishment) to the winning suppliers (i) named on existing framework agreements, and/or (ii) following a procurement exercise, be approved and   iii)           Authority be delegated to either the Director of Communities or Head of Legal and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Green Spaces, to finalise the terms of and enter into the required contracts above noted.     RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL   i)          To reprofile £0.846m of capital budget for the refurbishment works, from 2026/27 to 2025/26 to create a total capital budget in 2025/26 of £1.526m.   REASONS   i)              To ensure The Capitol remains up to date and able to provide and attract a mix of high-quality performances by replacing end-of-life fixtures and fittings, improving 2 seating in the auditorium and cinemas and enhancing the overall customer experience and offer.   ii)             To reduce carbon emissions at The Capitol, meeting the Council’s aspiration for direct emissions to become net zero by 2030.   iii)           To maintain and improve the cultural and social benefits of continuing to provide a multi arts community venue.   iv)           Full Council must approve the capital budget.   v)            To facilitate the refurbishment works being undertaken and to delegate authority to award associated contracts for this purpose.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   i)              The proposal put forward is considered the best course of action but 3 other options were considered.   ii)             Close The Capitol and not provide a theatre and arts venue and sell the current building or redevelop for alternative use. It is unlikely the private sector would provide a new live theatre in Horsham Town. Therefore, this option has been seen as undesirable throughout this process.   iii)           Build a new theatre and arts venue and sell the current building or redevelop for alternative use. A desktop analysis suggested that this would be disproportionately expensive (c.£40m) and was therefore discounted.   iv)           Delay expenditure until (more or all) facilities and infrastructure reach end of life; this is predicted to be within another few years. Whilst the boilers at the Capitol could potentially continue to be used for a few more years, the fixtures and fittings within the theatre need investment. If the facilities within the theatre do not meet people’s expectations, many would take their custom elsewhere, which would have a knock-on financial impact on the Capitol.   v)            Complete refurbishment of the auditorium, cinemas, toilets and public spaces alongside roof repairs and further surveys and MEP validation between April and September 2025 and then reopen for panto. Close the venue again in 2026 to carry out the MEP upgrade and install ASHP’s. This option was discounted as the timescales were considered too tight to gather all the necessary information and the risk too great.