Minutes:
(1) Mr Hill advised the Committee Members that Ms Honey, Managing Director was absent from the meeting as she was unwell. The Committee wished Ms Honey a speedy recovery.
(2) Mr Hill updated Members on the progress of Turner Contemporary, Kent Libraries and the Youth Service including a visit to Finland to sign a Protocol of understanding and Bewl Water Outdoor Education Centre.
Turner Contemporary
(3) Members were made aware that agreement had been given to the siting of the Art Gallery on the Rendezvous Car Park in Margate. An initial concept for the building would be presented on 15 February when Mr David Chipperfield, the appointed architect, would give a presentation.
(4) In response to the concerns raised that a one day public consultation, on an invitation only basis, was insufficient. Mr Hill advised that there would be a public exhibition of the proposals in the Winter Gardens on 16th and 17th February. Staff from the Turner Contemporary and from David Chipperfield Associates would be present to answer questions.
(5) Mr Hill agreed to consider the idea of recording the presentation by Mr Chipperfield.
(6) He assured Members of the Committee that he would continue to update them on the various stages of the development and stressed that the discussions taking place at present were at the concept stage and would evolve.
Libraries
The Beaney Project
(7) Mr Hill advised that Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council are expecting to receive approval for £6.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) imminently. This funding would be used to deliver the new vision for this Victorian Grade II listed building in Canterbury High Street. The building would be closed for two years to allow extensive internal and external work to be carried out.
(8) Mr Crilley confirmed that alternative facilities would be made available during that period. Mr Hill agreed to look into the suggestion of approaching Christ Church University, as a possible example of co-ordinated use of facilities, to provide adequate cover whilst the refurbishments were being carried out.
Kaleidoscope Project
(9) Mr Hill advised that the Kaleidoscope Project, Sevenoaks, would be formally opened on 16 February 2007 by the Local Member of Parliament, Mr Michael Fallon.
Library Closures
(10) Mr Hill confirmed the decision had been made by Cabinet to close three Libraries; Whitfield, Horsemonden and Dymchurch. He was confident the communities concerned would be better served by a mobile library service.
Youth Service
Farewell
(11) Mr Hill announced that Mr M Price, Head of Youth Service would be leaving Kent to join the London Borough of Greenwich. It was hoped that his replacement would be appointed in early February. Mr Price was thanked for his committed service to the young people of the county.
Visit to Finland
(12) Mr Hill advised that he and Ms Honey had recently returned from Finland where they signed a renewed Protocol of Co-operation with the Governor of Southern Finland on Youth Education and Libraries. This alliance would encourage further opportunities for young people from Kent and Finland to exchange ideas and visits.
Bewl Water Outdoor Education Centre
(13) Mr Hill announced that the Centre would be opened in time for the summer season this year. He felt this was a good, well designed residential facility.
New Appointment
(14) Mr Hill advised that Ms Angela Slaven had been appointed Director of Youth Offending and Substance Misuse. Ms Slaven would be in post after Easter.
(15) RESOLVED that the update be noted.