Agenda item

8.1

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Business Strategy and Regulation, on the securing of a long-term contract to continue to host the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield from 2018 to 2027. 

8.2

In attendance for this item were Michael Crofts (Director of Business Strategy and Regulation) and Howard Varns (Programme Manager, City Growth).

8.3

Michael Crofts reported on the rationale behind securing a long-term contract, referring to the drivers in terms of the benefits to the City.  These included the heritage benefits in terms of confirming Sheffield as the home of World Snooker, improving the City’s profile, the financial benefits of the Championships to the local economy and the opportunity to showcase the event worldwide, particularly in China, where snooker has become one of the fastest growing sports, and which country was forecast to become the world’s largest economy by 2020. 

8.4

Further to questions raised by Members of the Committee, it was stated that, whilst it was considered that there was already a considerable level of engagement with the local community, during the Championships, efforts would be made to increase such levels of engagement.  Whilst there was sufficient hotel space to cater for fans travelling to the City to watch the Championships, it was hoped that, as the event grew in popularity, there would be an increase in fans, thereby resulting in further hotel chains locating to the City to meet such demand.

8.5

RESOLVED: That the Committee:-

(a)      notes and welcomes the information now reported as part of the presentation, together with the responses to the questions raised; and

(b)      thanks Michael Crofts and Howard Varns for attending the meeting and responding to the questions raised.