Agenda item

Officer: Shifa Mustafa

Key decision: yes

The Leader of the Council delegated authority to the Cabinet to make the following decisions.

RESOLVED to:

1.     Adopt the Cultural Plan for Croydon 2019-2023, at Appendix 1 of the report; and

2.     Recommend adoption of the Croydon Libraries Plan 2019-28, at Appendix 2 of the report, to Full Council.

The Leader thanked the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Sport and officers for their continued work in putting culture at the heart of the borough’s regeneration.

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Sport noted that a year had passed since the collapse of Carillion and the library service had been brought back in-house. As such, it was felt that it was an appropriate time to establish some structure and a strategy for the important service. In the last year the Cabinet Member stated that improvements had already been made to the service, including increasing the funding for books.

Additionally, given the Administration’s focus on culture it was felt that it would be beneficial to have a strategy for culture also. The council was seeking to develop a strong and inclusive cultural calendar with partners; and had successfully built strong relationships with the Arts Council and Lottery Fund which had seen funding increase year on year. Furthermore, Members were informed that the Cabinet Member had met with the Deputy Mayor for Culture and stated that there continued to be commitment to strengthening culture in the borough as it was recognised that culture was at the heart of regeneration in Croydon. The Culture Plan was due to cover a five year period and would be reviewed annually as it was recognised that it was a dynamic sector and that it would be necessary to ensure it was up to date.

In relation to libraries, the Cabinet Member recognised that it was a considerable group of assets and the council was committed to refurbish all 13 libraries over a ten year period. Investment would continue to ensure the libraries had the latest technology and appropriate layout. The focus going forward was to enable young people to be inspired by libraries and culture, and to encourage residents to engage with their local library through a variety of volunteer roles.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that Fairfield Halls would reopen in September 2019 with an exciting programme of events, new open spaces, and enhanced public realm in the local area. Work continued with the operator and local groups to ensure the aims of an inclusive offer was delivered.

Additionally, it was noted that a programme of events was being developed across Croydon with more partners looking to hold events which was an exciting development.

Members recognised the work which had gone into the development of the Plans and welcomed the Culture Plan which was noted to have good intentions and would be integral to achieving future funding; however requested further detail of how the Plan would be delivered.

In response to Member questions the Cabinet Member confirmed that there would be a water feature as part of the public realm by Fairfield Halls. Additionally the Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Regeneration (voting – Job Share) stated that it was the intention to encourage more developers to create water spaces as part of new developments as it was recognised that they can facilitate wellbeing.

The Cabinet Member, in response to questions, confirmed that he was keen to see more volunteers in all of the libraries as they could provide an opportunity to support an important service, and whilst it was recognised that technology would enable libraries to be open longer volunteers would plan an important role also.

Some Members noted that they had previously campaigned against the closure of libraries in their wards, and whilst the libraries were not closed they had been outsourced. It was felt that the Libraries Plan was positive move and stated that residents had appreciated the investment since the libraries had been brought in-house. It was recognised that the Plan would enable libraries to be more accessible and would support all residents.

In response to Member questions the Cabinet Member confirmed that South Norwood library was a library which had been moved to a more accessible location and was due to open in Spring 2020, and consultation with local residents of Norbury Library would take place on 11 May 2019 regarding future plans. It was recognised that the study spaces at the library were not ideal and it was intended that these would be redeveloped to be fit for purpose and would inspire young people.

Members noted that there were opportunities to use libraries more and pointed to the Library of Things in Upper Norwood, along with the events which took place at the library. It was further noted that libraries provided additional opportunities, including recruitment and employment advice, supporting apprenticeships, and providing spaces for workshops to support local small or medium sized companies in the borough.

The Cabinet Member stated that the proposed redevelopment of libraries, such as Norbury Library, was exciting and would support the aim of making libraries inspiring for all residents. Whilst it was noted that the proposed capital expenditure for Norbury and Thornton Heath libraries was around £2 million, and other libraries capital expenditure amounted to around £1.5 million, the Cabinet Member stated that this was in large part due to the historic underinvestment in those libraries. Investment in the libraries would be proportional to their use and needs.

Members were informed that the Croydon Food and Music Festival would take place in 2019 and the council had invested £5,000 to support the festival. It was stated that it was important that the heritage of Croydon was celebrated, and as part of the Music City Project it was intended that music heritage trail would be developed which would celebrate Croydon’s diverse heritage. Additionally, Members were informed that Croydon would receive a portrait of Stormzy from the National Portrait Gallery which would be put on show. It was noted by Members that Stormzy, who came from Croydon, was number 1 in the charts and that this should be celebrated.

The Leader of the Council delegated authority to the Cabinet to make the following decisions.

RESOLVED to:

1.     Adopt the Cultural Plan for Croydon 2019-2023, at Appendix 1 of the report; and

2.     Recommend adoption of the Croydon Libraries Plan 2019-28, at Appendix 2 of the report, to Full Council.