Lancaster City Council agrees way forward for the Storey building
The Storey Institute
Lancaster City Council discussed the future of the Storey Creative Industries Centre (SCIC) in Lancaster at a Cabinet meeting held this week (Tuesday July 3).
At the meeting, members considered two options for the way forward for the Storey building .
In September 2008, the city council approved the provision of financial support of more than £133K to SCIC Limited over a three year period. This was in recognition that it would be difficult for the company to break even over this period of time but that the company expected to move into surplus by its fourth year of operation.
However, in December last year it became apparent that this was not the case when SCIC Limited requested a loan from the council for £90K, to be paid back over a three year period. This request for financial assistance was approved after taking into consideration various factors including the impact on the building’s tenants.
Since that time the city council has monitored SCIC Limited on meeting the loan conditions and it has become clear that these have not been met. It has also sought the views of the company with regard to the future.
At its meeting today, Cabinet agreed to support the Storey Institute being used as a creative industries centre but under the council's direct management and control.
Coun Eileen Blamire, Leader of the Council, said: "It is important that the council continues to support the vision for the Storey Creative Industries Centre and uses its experience in running and managing facilities to help build a strong and viable operation.
"At the same time it is recognised that the SCIC Board, which is fully supportive of working in partnership with the council, could help bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for creative industries to the centre and therefore there is still a role for it to play in providing valuable development support and advice."
“Through the new arrangements, the aim is to secure a brighter future for the Storey and its tenants , so it can continue to provide a centre of expertise and knowledge hub for the creative industries sector."
For background information and the options considered, please see the public report at http://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=297&MId=5900
Date Published: 04/07/12