Description:
This project is a new build to commercial specification on one third of a two acre site on Javelin Way, Henwood Industrial Estate, Ashford, to be fitted out with the appropriate level of technical equipment to service the needs of the Jasmin Vardimon Company. This will enable planned business growth to be achieved through a new business plan, the core of which will see the production of a large scale touring show every two years and expand the number of students enrolling on their education programmes.
The proposed development will look to incorporate an enabling development to deliver part of the funding for the capital costs of the project. A financial business case for this element of the project will be worked up for KCC to consider and it will cover off how KCC’s investment will be protected both during and after the development.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Ashford Central;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 08/12/2017
Decision due: Not before 8th Jan 2018 by Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Lead director: D Smith
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Jonathan White, Southborough Project Manager 03000 417198 Email: jonathan.white@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01622 696904.
Consultees
The proposed decision was considered by the Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee on 21 November 2017 and the outcome of that discussion will be included in the final decision paperwork which the Cabinet Member will be asked to sign.
Financial implications: Arts Council England (ACE) is seeking to invest £3M in the project towards build costs via grant funding and the total scheme is estimated to cost £9.8M to build with the enabling development paying for the construction of the Jasmin Vardimon Creative Laboratory. KCC will retain a number of units on the site following completion from which it will generate a revenue stream.
Legal implications: Jasmin Vardimon Company has submitted the ACE bid and KCC will need to enter into a collaboration agreement with them in order to secure the funding. KCC will need to enter into a number of contractual agreements to develop and deliver the site along with longer terms leases.
Equalities implications: The project is a new build and there are not anticipated to be any equality issues as part of this project.