Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 30, 2025

Purpose: To decide on options for future service delivery of the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill.

Content: RESOLVED – that Executive AGREED to:   i.               Support previous community hirers with alternative rehearsal / performance space solutions where appropriate through small enabling grants, subject to annual budget approval. ii.             Support the expansion of the Council’s existing arts development offer, supporting arts development opportunities in Redhill and borough-wide, subject to annual budget approval. iii.            Agree to maintain the Harlequin service’s net revenue budget for 2025/26 at £360k. iv.            Agree to allocate up to £10 million for the Harlequin Theatre and cultural offering in the borough. v.             Agree to receive a further report on the future of the Harlequin in the Warwick Quadrant in June 2025 with the report seeking budgetary approval and authority to appoint a client design team to work up costed implementation plans; and delegating discussions with the head leaseholder of the Warwick Quadrant in order to agree costs and responsibilities and timeline to the Director, Property Services Manager, Legal Services Manager and Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets. vi.            Agree to receiving a further report in June 2025 on the detailed costed feasibility and potential operator analysis for a circa 200-seater Redhill performance venue, which could cater for commercial and community hirers, including capital and revenue budgetary recommendations. vii.          Delegate decisions regarding the operational implications to the Strategic Head of Communities and Wellbeing and Head of Greenspaces, Leisure and Culture, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Sustainability and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets. viii.        Note the motion that was deferred by Executive at their meeting on 15th August 2024 and conclude that where possible the principles of the motion are being addressed in the recommendations set out in this report.