Strategic Review of Five Cultural Venues in Torfaen

Client: Torfaen County Borough Council
In order to determine how best to re-set the operational relationships between Torfaen Council and the cultural venues/organisations in the borough, an independent strategic review was undertaken by Planning Solutions Consulting Limited. The focus of the work was to provide an evidence based to enable the council to make informed decisions around future requirements and the form of financial and other support for the five cultural venues supported by the council. Our work included: A detailed visit and consultation with the venues/organisations to review operations, performance and issues; an assessment of funding options for consideration to ensure sustainability; an action plan and recommendations on the most effective arrangements with the venue/organisations moving forward; an assessment of the local and wider benefits/deliverables that may be expected as a result of the Authority’s ongoing relationship with the venues/organisations individually and collectively, and guidance on the approach to be taken regarding the future custodianship of the Cordell Collection and its value.

The venues, which included a museum, arts and cultural venue and performance venues, all perform an important role in their communities, providing services and facilities to the community, regenerating neighbourhoods, supporting the local economy, attracting visitors and bringing people together. The work confirmed that the grant support provided by Torfaen County Borough Council is seen as being vital in sustaining all the venues, specifically those that don’t have any paid staff. The work recommended that there is a need for the venues to recognise that the resource pressures facing the local authority mean that the relationship needs to change with a greater emphasis on the individual venues building resilience specifically through a proactive approach to income generation. The preferred option recommended was to establish a Challenge Fund ‘model’ whereby the local authority is committed to provide a level of financial support with the venue demonstrating how this support will deliver resilience and growth. The work also reviewed the potential for the formation of an independent Trust as an alternative delivery option to support and promote Torfaen as a county that offers a range of cultural experiences to both residents and visitors.

How can we help?
If have any questions about carrying out a review of cultural or heritage venues please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk