Issue - meetings

To consider and endorse, or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Service on the proposed decision to enter into legal agreements with the Jasmin Vardimon Company.

David Smith (Director of Economic Development) was present for this item.

1.     Mike Hill (Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services) introduced the Javelin Way Development Report and discussed Kent County Councils’ proposal to enter into a legal agreement with the Jasmin Vardimon Company. Mr Hill said that it provided Kent County Council with an opportunity to establish a high quality cultural offer within Ashford.

2.     David Smith (Director of Economic Development) said that Kent County Council expected to match the Arts Council of England (ACE) grant from the development of unused land owned by the Council.

3.     In response to questions the officer provided further information.

4.     Mr Hill said that there would be no additional financial support required.

5.    Mr Hill said that the investment in Margate had resulted in a high quality international cultural offer to the area and anticipated that the Javelin Way Development would have a similar effect.

6.    Mr Smith said that the Council could not advise on whether it had additional unused land however the Javelin Way Development investment would set a precedent for the Council to develop land for commercial purposes in the future. In regards to the Jasmin Vardimon Company, David Smith advised that it was not a production facility and the space would be available to residents and students and would offer a range of classes.

7.     RESOLVED that the decision proposed to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, to: