Decision details

St Davids Hall has been forced to close due to the presence of RAAC planks in the roof structure of the building. The report provides an update on the condition of the RAAC planks following intrusive surveys and sets out a way forward to make the building safe and to accelerate the reopening of the building.

The report sets out how the proposed lease with AMG is able to progress to secure the long term future of the building and to protect the classical programme.

RESOLVED: that

    1)        authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, the Section 151 Officer, and the Legal Officer to conclude negotiations with AMG and other relevant stakeholders to:

a.    Finalise and enter into a Conditional Agreement for Lease with AMG on the basis of the principles set out in the draft Conditional Agreement for Lease set out at Confidential Appendix 3;

b.    Enter into the lease and associated documents as set out at Confidential Appendix 3 upon satisfaction of the conditions within the Conditional Agreement for Lease;

c.    Complete the business sales agreement with AMG for St David’s Hall based on the principles set out in the draft business sales agreement attached at Confidential Appendix 3 upon satisfaction of the conditions within the Conditional Agreement for Lease;

    2)        the continued closure of St David’s Hall and the associated consequences set out in this report until AMG satisfy the conditions within the Conditional Agreement to Lease be noted.

    3)        In light of the above, it is unlikely that all employees will transfer to AMG under the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment Regulations 2006) as envisaged in the July 2023 Cabinet report. As a result, the Council’s proposed staff engagement strategy to manage the closure of St David’s Hall as set out in this report be noted.