Decision details

(i)       note the Liberal Democrat and SNP Partnership is committed to the long term future of the Arts Centre as a cultural venue in Aberdeen which is currently leased and operated by Castlegate Arts Ltd;

(ii)      note Castlegate Arts Ltd continue to not comply with the ‘Code of Guidance On Funding External Bodies and Following the Public Pound’ published by the Accounts Commission and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA);

(iii)      note that Aberdeen City Council awarded £1.45 million to cultural organisations across the city through the Cultural Investment Framework 2025/26;

(iv)     note the Chief Officer - City Development and Regeneration, through the External Funding Teams, continues to provide support to any organisation interested in accessing funding;

(v)      note the £8,000 annual rent of Aberdeen Arts Centre is currently funded by the Common Good Fund;

(vi)     instruct the Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord to continue  to offer a new lease to Castlegate Arts reflecting the current lease conditions, for a term to be agreed;

(vii)     note Aberdeen City Council has carried out initial works to the clock tower (which is excluded from the lease) funded through the Repairs and Maintenance budget; and

(viii)    to note that the Executive Director of City Regeneration and Environment would liaise with the Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord to circulate further details to members in relation to (1) the Council’s lease arrangement with Castlegate Arts Ltd, specifically regarding repairs and (2) the amount of grant funding community centres receive on an annual basis.