Treasury and Resources
Ministerial Decision Report
Fiscal Stimulus funding for works to the Jersey Opera House building
- Purpose of Report
To enable the Minister for Treasury and Resources to approve a request from Jersey Property Holdings in respect of additional funding for the Jersey Opera House (JOH) so that the refurbishment phase of the project can be completed.
- Background
In 2010 the Education, Sport and Culture department submitted a bid for grant funds for the Jersey Opera House refurbishment project. Subsequently, it was decided that Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) should project manage the refurbishment as the States own the Opera House building. Also that ESC remain as project sponsors and chair the project meetings. In July 2010 the Fiscal Stimulus Steering Group allocated pre-contract costs to the project. Following the tender process JPH are requesting the remaining funds to complete the refurbishment phase.
- Evaluation Process and Results
The bid was evaluated under the fiscal stimulus criteria which resulted in its inclusion in the programme. Initially the project was awarded £112,000 (MD-TR-2010-0118) to enable the project to proceed to tender.
Additional funds (£921,493) are now being requested to fund the main contract costs of the project. The FSSG and the Minister for Treasury and Resources have agreed that this project meets the criteria for fiscal stimulus funding.
The refurbishment works include improvement in terms of what the JOH offers in terms of activities right across the cultural spectrum. A new studio to be created will be used for small performances, specialist activities, workshops for schools, plus a corporate entertainment space, which can also be used for small seminars and meetings.
The refurbishment will also significantly improve the catering available to patrons and corporate clients while also refurbishing the office accommodation and creating extra work space.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that progression of this project may afford other opportunities (including possible rationalisation) in relation to performance and office space currently used by other cultural organisations in Jersey, helping to achieve better value for money in a wider sense for the States and in particular ESC supported cultural activities. With this in mind, the Chairman of the Opera House has confirmed that this project will create sufficient office space to accommodate up to three Arts Trust Officers.
- Recommendation from the Fiscal Stimulus Funding Group
The Fiscal Stimulus Steering Group recommends that the Minister for Treasury and Resources allocates funding of £921,493 to Jersey Property Holdings for the main contract of refurbishment costs.
- Reason for Decision
A discretionary fiscal stimulus allocation from the Stabilisation Fund of £44m has already been approved. The projects meet the key criteria for fiscal stimulus being timely, targeted and temporary. The allocation of funds will enable JPH to ensure the refurbishment of the Jersey Opera House.
- Resource Implications
Allocation of funding totalling £921,493 to Jersey Property Holdings.
No manpower resource implications.
Report author : Fiscal Stimulus Programme Manager | Document date : 4th March 2011 |
Quality Assurance / Review : Head of Decision Support | File name and path: L:\Treasury\Sections\Corporate Finance\Ministerial Decisions\DSs, WRs and SDs\2011-0021 - Fiscal Stimulus Budget Allocation JPH - LJR\WR - Fiscal Stimulus Budget Allocation JPH - LJR.doc |
MD sponsor : Treasurer of the States |