Agenda item

To receive the report of the Destination Director.

The Committee received the report of Executive Director Innovation & Growth ‘Destination City Review 2023-24’ circulated on Friday 17 November 2023 that set out the background, terms of reference and timetable for the Destination City Review.

The following points were made by Members:

-        There is no obvious reference to direct comprehensive resident engagement and voluntary groups

-        Local entities such as the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Barbican Centre did not appear to have been involved 

-        The role of Chief Commoner should be explicitly included in senior leadership involvement to ensure governance issues are managed upstream in a cross-cutting manner via a dedicated governance entity

-        The annual Lord Mayor’s show should be explicitly referenced, particularly around seating provision

-        Further information on the budget for the Review and the appointment process of Paul Martin, would be welcome

-        The Destination City brand is powerful and has a lot of potential

The Committee noted that the Resident Envoy position was designed to engage residents, some commenting that the Resident Envoy position was still ambiguous and that more comprehensive resident engagement would be beneficial as part of the Destination City strategy, including around St Bartholomew’s Hospital.  The meeting noted that the engagement strategy would run to late January 2024 so that more time could be dedicated to resident engagement to include online tools, among them a Member survey (see action point 9).

A Member commented on an apparent lack of clarity on leadership and ownership, as well as aims and objectives, and asked that clear measurable objectives be set out. The meeting heard that the Destination City Review would encompass consideration of leadership and ownership, noting the Corporation’s ending about five years ago of a cross-cutting cultural policy leadership and oversight role at senior officer level that encompassed other City focus areas (including Environment, Planning and Finance) as well as libraries and other cultural activities. A number of Members commented that a senior-level cultural policy and vision officer role would be welcome, commenting also on the need for the Destination City review outcomes to result in a transformational programme over and above the aim of generating footfall. 

The meeting noted that the appointment of Paul Martin was made by the Town Clerk & Chief Executive (taking into account the background and expertise of Paul Martin) and that the budget information (though not necessarily details of any contract) may not yet be in the public domain.

The Committee endorsed (with no Members expressing dissent) the broad aims, context and timetable of the Destination City review as set out in the paper submitted that included strategies, objectives and Terms of Reference noting also the reservations, comments and concerns expressed above (particularly around consultation, leadership and governance) and noting the need for a transformational programme beyond generating additional footfall, and for the implementation of a permanent senior officer role in the CoLC in the domain of establishing and co-ordinating a wide-ranging cultural policy and vision.