Decision details

      i.         Both the Corn Exchange and Guildhall are scheduled to close from December 2026 for major refurbishment within the Civic Quarter Programme. Without a managed transition, there will be a two-year absence of cultural and civic provision from these two venues which currently attract audiences over 200,000 and support civic events and large-scale conferencing and community programmes.

    ii.         Alongside this there is projected impact on secondary economic activity of £21.6million in business and income in the city.

   iii.         As highlighted in the Cabinet paper in September 20253 this report responds to the challenge of providing a structured transition plan that maintains visibility, protects staff, maintains promoter and stakeholder relationships, and contributes to the rapid recovery on reopening. Three scenarios have been considered: do nothing, a temporary venue, and a larger more permanent venue.

  iv.         This report recognises that an earmarked provision has been made within the 26/27 Budget for the potential costs of a temporary venue and sets out the principles for considering a continuation of activity, a focus on a temporary venue rather than the other options and outlines the programme of work ahead of any final decision for the Civic Quarter project planned for September 2026.

    v.         A final decision regarding any temporary venue will be considered following any required planning decision and alongside the wider Civic Quarter Project in September 2026. Preparing for such a transition requires work ahead of this date.

  vi.         The report does not set out any financial details further to the funding already approved, with this modelling being carried out for the whole programme in the coming months.

Cabinet unanimously resolved to:

      i.         Approve progression to planning submission for a temporary performance and events venue to support the transition period during the closure of the Corn Exchange and Guildhall, subject to statutory processes and continued engagement.

    ii.         Note that preliminary expenditure within the £1million approved provision will be incurred prior to a planning application and September Cabinet decision on the Civic Quarter project.

   iii.         Approve progression to procurement of required venue infrastructure, equipment and ancillary services, in preparation for a final decision in September.

  iv.         Note the indicative programme and key delivery milestones.

    v.         Note that alternative transition options have been considered and assessed.