The Leader introduced the report and stated that he would make an ongoing commitment to listen to all parties involved with the Thameside. He explained that £1.2m funding had been allocated from the capital programme for the relocation of the Central Library, and the team were working hard to achieve Accredited Status for the museum. He thanked the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their comments and proposed recommendation amendments, which had been circulated to Cabinet Members and members of the public, and stated that recommendation 3 contained an error which would be amended from “consultation on alternative options for the delivery” to “consultation on all options for the delivery”.

Councillor Arnold felt pleased to see consultation would be undertaken on the relocation of services and sought assurances that there would be enough money to relocate the museum. The Leader confirmed that money had been allocated for the relocation of the museum, and highlighted that concerns had been raised regarding the archiving work regularly undertaken by museum staff and volunteers. He explained that the team would be working to improve and protect the heritage of the borough currently stored in archives. Councillor Spillman echoed Councillor Arnold’s comments and felt pleased to see consultation would be undertaken, whilst discussions continued with TLS/TICC. Councillor Snell thanked the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their discussions and suggested amendments, many of which had been taken on board by Cabinet. He stated that any updates on the Thameside would be referred to the Committee before coming to Cabinet. Councillor Maney questioned if the £18-20m of future investment to bring the Thameside Complex back up to standard was accurate. The Leader explained that the £18-20m investment figure had been estimated over a 30-year period, but the Council would endeavour to be open and transparent by outlining how this figure was determined. He stated that he had conversed with the Director of Place regarding this figure, and he would work to ensure it formed part of the consultation. Councillor Arnold sought assurances that the Council would continue to consider all options available for the Thameside. The Leader stated that all options would be considered, including ongoing discussions with the TLS/TICC bidders.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Noted the bids from Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions/Thurrock International Celebration of Culture and Waltham International College and thanked them for their efforts to try and find a financially sustainable alternative for the future of the building.

2. Noted the significant concerns regarding both proposals and that neither is recommended, in its current form, as a financially sustainable alternative for the future of building. Cabinet agrees that negotiations and discussions will continue with TLS/TICC to try and facilitate a financially sustainable bid.

3. Authorised the Director of Place to undertake consultation on all options for the delivery of cultural activities and events in Grays and the wider borough. A report on this recommendation to be brought back to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet on completion of the consultation.

4. Authorised the Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health to undertake consultation on the relocation of the library from the Thameside Building to the Civic Offices. A report on this recommendation to be brought back to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet on completion of the consultation.

5. Authorised the Director of Place to undertake consultation on the relocation of the museum from the Thameside Building to the Civic Offices with a view to achieving Accredited Museum status. A report on this recommendation to be brought back to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet on completion of the consultation.

6. Noted the allocation of £1.2million in the Capital Programme agreed at Council on 1st March 2023, funded from asset sales, for the relocation of the library and museum.

Reason for decision: as outlined in the report
This decision is subject to call-in