Issue - meetings

The Executive had considered proposals to make a capital contribution towards the redevelopment of the Borough’s ATG Cinemas.  The recommendations before the Council supported the proposal to award capital funding of £5m for the upgrade. 

A number of Councillors expressed concern that the Council would be giving the funds to ATG rather than offering a loan.  The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Kemp, explained that the Cinemas were owned by Woking Borough Council, not ATG, and that the funds would enable a significant programme of improvements to be undertaken to the Council’s assets.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.8, the names of Members voting for and against the recommendations were recorded.

In favour:                       Councillors H Addison, S Ashall, A Azad, A Bowes, G Chrystie, K Davis, I Eastwood, D Harlow, K Howard, Mrs B Hunwicks, S Hussain, C Kemp, N Martin, R Mohammed and C Rana.

                                      Total in favour – 15

Against:                         Councillors M Ali, A-M Barker, J Bond, A Boote, M Bridgeman, L Lyons, L Morales and M I Raja.

                                      Total against – 8

Present not voting:       None.

                                      Total present not voting – 0

The recommendations were therefore carried by 15 votes in favour to 8 votes against.

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the contribution of £5m to ATG for the upgrade of the ATG Cinemas in Woking be approved;

          (ii)   the project be included in the Investment Programme to be financed by Loan;

          (iii)  the detailed arrangements to be approved by Officers in consultation with the Portfolio Holder; and

          (iv)  the net additional annual cost of £190,000 be taken into account in the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2020/21 onwards.

Reporting Person – Ray Morgan

RESOLVED

That the confidential supporting information in support of ATG Cinemas be noted.

Reason:   To enhance the Cinema offer in Woking in line with modern standards.

Reporting Person – Ray Morgan

The Executive received a report which sought approval of the Executive to recommend to Council that a capital contribution of £5m towards the redevelopment of the ATG Cinemas be made by the Council.  The Executive welcomed the proposal to secure an improved Cinema offer for the Town and to invest in Woking as a place.  Following a question regarding funding, Officers advised that revenue from the cinemas helped to fund the Rhoda McGaw and main theatre through cross subsidy.  The Executive agreed to add an additional recommendation to Council to provide for Portfolio Holder oversight of the detailed arrangements.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    the contribution of £5m to ATG for the upgrade of the ATG Cinemas in Woking be approved;

          (ii)   the project be included in the Investment Programme to be financed by Loan;

          (iii)  the detailed arrangements to be approved by Officers in consultation with the Portfolio Holder; and

          (iv)  the net additional annual cost of £190,000 be taken into account in the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2020/21 onwards.

Reason:   To enhance the Cinema offer in Woking in line with modern standards.