Agenda item

'We call upon MSDC not to close Clair Hall.'

Ms Wilcox presented the petition as the nominated spokesperson for Tim French MBE who organised the petition. She noted the petition has over 4000 signatures which as a gauge of the level of public concern represents 65% of the ballot papers issued in the 2019 district council election.  She welcomed the opportunity for the Council to consider the strength of feeling of residents and urged the Council to review the decision made and alternative options available.

Ms Wilcox challenged the Council’s assessment of the state of repair of Clair Hall, and the number and location of alternative venues offered to user groups. She referenced other venues in the District such as Chequer Mead, which have reopened, and queried why it wasn’t considered to open Clair Hall in a similar way.  Information on S106 funds was provided with a query on why this money had not been used for Clair Hall repair.  She concluded that the Council has an opportunity to listen to residents and open active dialogue for a Meanwhile Lease on Clair Hall, registering it as a community asset and keeping it open pending new facilities.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service delivery acknowledged the petition and thanked all residents who signed it. He reiterated the process that had led to the decision to close the Hall, following the removal of it from the Places Leisure Contract agreed by full Council in August, the Cabinet decision voting for a business case on the regeneration of the site and a new venue and subsequent consideration by the Scrutiny Committee.

Discussion was held on the need to prioritise expenditure to assist residents during the pandemic. Against this backdrop, Members considered the cost of repair and maintenance verses limited usage of the Hall both in the current lockdown and prior to its closure in March 2020 noting that to reopen was not an effective use of resources. Comparison was made with other sites that had reopened, not able to generate significant income due to current restrictions on attending.  A number of Members urged the petitioners to respond to the public consultation so that work could focus on an exciting new venue that meets the needs of all users.

Councillor Knight proposed a motion that the Council acknowledges the petition but believes that it is not feasible for Clair Hall to reopen. The Council supports the decision to undertake public engagement and consultation to inform the development of a business case for the provision of a modern community facility as part of the regeneration of the site. This was seconded by Councillor Pulfer.

Councillor Eggleston proposed an amendment to the motion that the Council in addition agrees to hold a public meeting regarding the future of Clair Hall as part of the consultation process and that Officers enter into dialogue about the hall’s continued use in the meantime, until a new facility is open. This was seconded by Councillor Bates.

Members discussed the motion and amendment. Clarity was sought on what form the consultation would take, and what funds are currently available to be spent on Clair Hall maintenance.   Several Members requested that alternative methods are sought to keep the Hall running as there is currently no timescale for when a new facility may be available. It was however noted that no one had approached the Council with a viable proposal for reopening the Hall on a managed basis, and that Council resources would be better spent focusing on the future, by engaging with the community to design a new facility that is fit for purpose.

A recorded vote on the amendment was taken.

16 Members were in favour of the amended motion and 27 Members were against and 1 abstained, so the amendment was lost.

A recorded vote was taken on the original motion which was carried with 27 Members in favour, 11 against and 6 Members abstaining.

RESOLVED

The Council acknowledges the petition but believes that it is not feasible for Clair Hall to reopen. The Council supports the decision to undertake public engagement and consultation to inform the development of a business case for the provision of a modern community facility as part of the regeneration of the site.