Decision details

Following the Cabinet’s decision on the 18^th June 2019 to take forward a tenancy with Awen Cultural Trust, the Director, Public Health, Protection and Community Services introduced the report to Members, which sought to provide an update on the progress in respect of the community asset transfer of the Muni Arts Centre by way of a leasehold transfer. The Director informed Members that Awen had been working with the Council to determine the short term capital requirements to re-open the Muni in June 2020 and that the requirements, once identified, would be included in the Council’s future capital investment programme.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Awen Cultural Trust provided the Cabinet with the long term proposals for the refurbishment and restoration of the building. Awen reiterated the value of the creative industries in supporting the economy and the positive affects it can have on health and wellbeing.

Awen Cultural Trust spoke of the heritage of the building and the constraints of the internal decoration, which did not compliment it. The long term plans included the reinstatement of the internal features, along with improving the capacity issues and accessibility for disabled actors and audience members.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services thanked Awen Cultural Trust for the ambitious and impressive plans, commenting that a lot of work had gone in to producing the exciting vision before Members. The Cabinet Member continued by praising the officers for their commitment to ensuring the building is put back into use to the benefit of the residents of RCT. The Cabinet Member spoke of the wellbeing benefits, which are derived from the Arts and commented that the Eisteddfod would feed into any proposals.

The Leader also took the opportunity to thank Awen and the Service Director for the impressive plans and commented that the target for reopening would be June 2020. The Leader spoke of the YMCA Pontypridd and commented that the two venues would complement and strengthen one another. The Leader went on to speak of the Cabinet’s difficult decision to close the building, in order to use the reduced Local Government settlement for social services and other key services for the residents of RCT, but was pleased to note that the Council’s RCT Together Programme had since evolved and had been used by Welsh Government as an example of best practice.

The Deputy Leader voiced her support and praised the vision, commenting on the openness and transparency of the presentation. The Deputy Leader spoke of other Council facilities in the Pontypridd area, such as the new footbridge and Lido, and felt that it would all benefit the residents of the wider area and bring tourism from the cities.

The Cabinet Member Children and Young People commented on the great transport links in Pontypridd and hoped to see Pontypridd Youth Club provision included within the future programme.

With the agreement of the Leader, as Chairman of the Committee, County Borough Councillors J. Brencher and H. Fychan spoke on the item.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the progress made with negotiations with Awen Cultural Trust to agree the terms of the lease and the necessary financial support requirements to secure a sustainable future for the Muni Arts Centre;

2.    To receive a presentation from Awen Cultural Trust and their architects, Purcell, setting out their proposals for the refurbishment and restoration of the Muni Arts Centre;

3.    That longer term proposals for the restoration of the Muni Arts Centre will be the subject of open consultation and engagement with the local community where necessary; and

4.    That the Council will seek to engage with the local community where necessary in respect of the longer term proposals for the restoration of the Muni Arts Centre.