Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to

1.    To seek funding approval of £170,000 for a feasibility study to reimagine the BIC for the next 30+ years

2.    Provide an update regarding the hotel project relating to the site adjacent to the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)

3.    To seek commitment for the continued reinvestment of a proportion of the annual service fee, payable by BH Live, for the short to medium term refurbishment priorities for the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), under any scenario

.

RESOLVED that

(a)        Cabinet approves £170,000 funding for a feasibility study to reimagine the BIC for the next 30+ years

(b)       Cabinet formally agrees to the discontinuance of the procurement process authorised by the Cabinet of Bournemouth Borough Council in October 2018 relating to the hotel adjacent to the BIC.

(c)        Cabinet confirms its commitment to ongoing investment in the BIC in order for it to remain competitive and requests officers to make specific investment recommendations at a future Cabinet meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

REASON

These are in line with the strategic priorities of the Cabinet.

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Cabinet was advised that it was proposed to undertake a feasibility study to consider wider options for refurbishing or replacing the BIC for the next 30+ years. The proposal was considered timely, taking into account the age of the BIC and the opportunity to cease the procurement process for the hotel development on the site adjacent to the BIC. This would enable the Council to take a holistic approach to the site, providing a comprehensive list of options going forward.

The Chairman of the O&S Board reported that the Board, at its meeting on 8 July 2019 resolved to support recommendations (a) and (c) as outlined within the Cabinet report but disagreed with recommendation (b). The Board considered that the procurement process for the hotel site should be continued and a further decision taken on whether to proceed should be taken following the outcome of the procurement process. It was noted that this was not a unanimous decision of the Board and had required the Chairman to use his casting vote.

In considering the recommendations, a number of Cabinet Members commented on the strategic importance of the BIC and supported the reasons for including the site adjacent to the BIC in considering the whole site. It was acknowledged that this was a change in approach to the site from that of the preceding authority and would enable the Council to look at the whole range of options. It was not considered appropriate for the Council to proceed with the procurement process unless this was done in good faith. The Cabinet was not minded to change the recommendations.

RESOLVED that:

1.     Cabinet approves £170,000 funding for a feasibility study to reimagine the BIC for the next 30+ years

2.     Cabinet formally agrees to the discontinuance of the procurement process authorised by the Cabinet of Bournemouth Borough Council in October 2018 relating to the hotel adjacent to the BIC.

3.     Cabinet confirms its commitment to ongoing investment in the BIC in order for it to remain competitive and requests officers to make specific investment recommendations at a future Cabinet meeting.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, and the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Culture