To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet and a report that sets out the required action by Cabinet and Council to form a tripartite partnership between Torbay Council, Arts Council England and Paignton Picture House Trust to deliver the full restoration of Paignton Picture House as part of the regeneration of Paignton Town Centre.

The Council received the Cabinet’s recommendations and the submitted report on the funding arrangements to support the tripartite partnership between Torbay Council, the Arts Council England and the Paignton Picture House Trust in order to deliver the full restoration of the Paignton Picture House, and as part of the regeneration of Paignton Town Centre. 

Councillor Chris Lewis proposed and Councillor Cowell seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as set out below:

1.         that an additional £900,000 be allocated from the Future High Street Fund to delivery of the Paignton Picture House project;  and

2.         that the Council underwrites the delivery of the project up to a maximum of £1.6 million, to be funded from unsupported borrowing, if required.  The Council will limit the financial liability through robust cost oversight of the project and seek to secure any other applicable funding sources.

(Note: Councillors Atiya-Alla and Nicolaou did not take part in the debate or vote on the matter due to Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applying to them.)

To consider a report that sets out the required action by Cabinet and Council to form a tripartite partnership between Torbay Council, Arts Council England and Paignton Picture House Trust to deliver the full restoration of Paignton Picture House as part of the regeneration of Paignton Town Centre.

Having given prior notice to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Billings left the meeting during consideration of this item.