Town Hall Development Working Group

Latest Update:

This group last met on 12th November. The group continued its investigation into alternative uses of the Town Hall, there is not too much detail within the minutes due to commercial sensitivities. Other areas of development work included discussions on Christmas lights, external refurbishment / repair proposals and environmental improvements aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the Town Hall   

The following members sit on this Working Group:

• Cllr Suzy Firkin– Chair
• Cllr Margaret Gartside – Town Mayor – Vice Chair
• Cllr Martin Amies
• Cllr David Brown
• Cllr Russell Chadwick
• Cllr Robert Douglas
• Cllr Robert Hemsley
• Mark Worthington – Congleton Town Council – Town Hall Manager
• Andrea Morris-Wild – Congleton Town Council – Administrative Assistant
• Sue Trow – Congleton Town Council – Finance Officer

Purpose: This working group exists to deliver points 8.2 through to 8.6 of the Town Council’s Business Plan for 2020-2023. Through a capital investment plan the group looks to maintain and develop the current Town Council’s built assests including; the Town Hall, Congleton Cenotaph, Paddling Pool, Public Toilets and Allotments.

Objectives:

• To achieve a safe, professionally staffed environment for hirers of the Town Hall and to continually improve the services provided
• Ensure that health and safety is at the forefront of the Town Council’s services
• Through a review of potential use and focussed marketing, look to reduce the operating deficit of the Town Hall
• To create a capital investment plan to cover the ongoing maintenance and development of the Town Hall and Assets
• To reduce the carbon footprint of the Town Hall and Assets wherever possible within the constraints imposed by a Grade II* listed building

Recent Projects:

• Installation of a 13 camera CCTV system around the Town Hall and Car Park
• Purchase of of Bosch Dicentis Conference System
• Refurbishment of Spencer Suite meeting room
• Update and installation of Emergency Lighting System
• Base level measurement of the Town Hall Carbon Footprint

Next Steps:

• To dicuss future use and operational model of the Town Hall and the potential Coronavirus restrictions
• To review the existing contract with our Commercial Partner- Congleton Town Hall Events and Parties (existing contract expires 31.03.2021)
• Generate a plan to reduce the Carbon Footprint of the Town Hall