The Executive is pleased to support an amended proposal, to agree in principle, to the disposal of its freehold interest of the Cinema and former Library area to the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust. This is subject to outstanding financial and legal conditions being agreed with the Trust within the next 4 months. The Council is committed to working with the Trust and wants to enter into discussions to move forward with the aim of a positive outcome for the benefit of all parties.
The Council, its Leadership and Brynmawr Ward Members have always been and remain supportive of Brynmawr Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust. This support has included the provision of significant technical officer support free of charge and funding large parts of the remedial works to make the cinema safe for re-opening following its temporary closure in late 2016 through to mid-2017.
It is disappointing that the Trust decided to reject the proposed financial terms without taking the opportunity to meet the Council’s Leadership and officials in advance of the meeting held on 18 April. However, while agreeing in principle to the transfer, the Executive also agreed to a period of up to 4 months during which there should be adequate time for the Council and Trustees to meet to find a mutually agreeable way forward.
The Council is committed to open negotiations with the Trust and has put forward what it considers a series of balanced financial and legal conditions associated with the transfer of the freehold designed to protect the interests of both parties. These proposals include:
- The Council to provide Health and Safety and property maintenance advice to the Trustees.
- Agreement needs to be reached over financial conditions and repayment of historic debt to the Council.
The Council’s current offer includes further funding of £47,000 and the Council requires the Trust to fund the cost of an environmental clean of the library area following unauthorised building work carried out in the area by the Trust which was later referred to the Health and Safety Executive resulting in an investigation and a notice of contravention being issued against the Trust. These findings are a matter of public record.
These are the same principles applied to other community organisations that have been granted asset transfers and ensures that the Council can demonstrate proper use of public money.
The public toilets operated by an independent contractor being excluded from the transfer
The Council welcomes further discussions with the Trust so that progress can be made and both parties can discuss a mutually agreeable way forward.