Agenda item

Exempt appendices contained at item 12.1

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement which updated the Council on the ongoing feasibility work into potential alternative funding and delivery model options for the Council’s arts, culture, events, sport, leisure, museums, and galleries assets.

The report recommended:-

that the Council

(a)           note the medium-term funding and delivery options identified through the Outline Business Case (OBC) process for the Alternative Delivery Model workstream, including consideration of asset condition, current subsidy levels, future investment requirements, and the inclusion of the Beach Ballroom within a wider asset approach;

(b)           instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement to progress the development of alternative funding and delivery models, which will include the option for proposals to be submitted directly from ALEO partners, for the Council’s assets through to Full Business Case (FBC) stage, including commencement of a competitive procurement exercise; and

(c)           instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement to present the findings of the Full Business case to Council during the final quarter of 2027.

Councillor Yuill moved, seconded by Councillor Allard:-

That the Council approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Brooks moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor McLeod:-

          That the Council -

(1)       approve the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)       note that lots B and D (5.4) include the Linx Ice hockey arena, the home of twice Scottish ice hockey champions (2022/23 & 2023/24) and Scottish Cup winners in 2023/24, Aberdeen Lynx; and

(3)       instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial Procurement to consider any potential Aberdeen Football Club Stadium plans when considering any options regarding Aberdeen Lynx, prior to presenting options to Council in 2027.

Councillor Malik moved as a further amendment, seconded by Councillor Grant:-

          That the Council -

(1)       approve the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)       note the negative comments from the SNP Finance Convener in respect of Aberdeen Football Club and the positive comments from Aberdeen Football Club chairman David Cormack;

(3)       agree that in respect of any Alternative Delivery Model programme being pursued through alternative funding and delivery models, the Council must have regard to the proposed developments required to complete the Beach Masterplan and to incorporate findings into the report due in early 2027; and

(4)       agree to include the implications for our relationships with other partners in these sectors such as Aberdeen Arts Centre, Bon Accord Baths and the Belmont Cinema.

At this juncture, the Lord Provost acknowledged that it was unlikely the item would be concluded within the 6 hour time limit and enquired whether the Council would be willing to suspend Standing Order 40.2 to extend the length of the meeting. A number of objections were indicated which demonstrated that the necessary quota of two-thirds of the Members present and entitled to vote would not be met.

After eight Members had spoken, in accordance with Standing Order 31.1, Councillor Hutchison moved as a procedural motion, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

          That no further debate take place. 

On a division, there voted:-

For the procedural motion   (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Buchanan, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

Against the procedural motion   (20)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Boulton, Brooks, Crockett, Cross, Farquhar, Grant, Houghton, Kusznir, Lawrence, Macdonald, McLeod, Malik, Massey, Nicoll, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

Absent from the division  (1)  -  Councillor Graham.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the procedural motion and therefore proceed straight to summing up.

There being a motion and two amendments, the Council first divided between the two amendments.

On a division, there voted:-

For the amendment by Councillor Brooks  (10)  -  Lord Provost; Councillors Boulton, Brooks, Cross, Farquhar, Houghton, Kusznir, McLeod, Massey and Nicoll.

For the amendment by Councillor Malik  (10)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Grant, Lawrence, Macdonald, Malik, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

Declined to vote   (22)  -  Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Buchanan, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Crockett, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

Absent from the division  (2)  -  Depute Provost; and Councillor Graham.

At this juncture, following a request by the Chief Executive, the Council agreed to suspend Standing Order 40.2 to extend the meeting to conclude the item of business and hear the verbal update in private, with all remaining business to be carried forward to a future Council meeting.

There being an equality of votes, the Lord Provost declined to exercise his casting vote. Therefore, after the toss of a coin Councillor Brooks’ amendment was successful and proceeded to the second division.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion   (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Buchanan, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

For the amendment by Councillor Brooks  (17)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Brooks, Cross, Farquhar, Grant, Houghton, Kusznir, Lawrence, Macdonald, McLeod, Malik, Massey, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

Declined to vote  (3)  -  Councillors Boulton, Crockett and Nicoll.

Absent from the division  (1)  -  Councillor Graham.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the motion.