Agenda item

8.1

The committee considered a report seeking approval to make the grant award of £118,250 revenue funding from the Project Feasibility Fund to Harmony Works Trust Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), for the development and completion of a detailed business case for a regional music education hub at Castlegate.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee:-

1)    Notes:

• the progress so far in developing a new Culture Strategy for Sheffield

• details of the Shared Prosperity Fund Year 3 Cultural Showcase activity

• detail of the Place Partnership bid which was recently submitted

• progress with the Cultural Pipeline Fund

2)    Approves the grant award of £118,250 revenue funding from Project Feasibility Fund to Harmony Works Trust (CIO) for the development and completion of a detailed business case for the creation of a regional music education hub at Castlegate.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The report provides a progress update on SCC’s new Strategic Approach to Culture. The recommendations build on previous reports in September 2022, February 2023 and September 2023. The recommendation to support Harmony Works Trust (CIO) with Project Feasibility Funding builds on the principles of the Strategic Approach to Culture, and will create strong positive outcomes for education, skills, culture, regeneration and heritage.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The proposed allocation of PFF funding to Harmony Works Trust (CIO) could be refused. This would create a funding gap for the project and slow or stop the development work on the project. It would put at risk significant funds already secured by the project from Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund. If the project did not proceed, this would be a huge loss for the city, especially for our young people and music-based groups.

8.1.1

The committee considered a report seeking approval to make the grant award of £118,250 revenue funding from the Project Feasibility Fund to Harmony Works Trust Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), for the development and completion of a detailed business case for a regional music education hub at Castlegate.

8.1.2

The Chair noted the thanks of the committee to everyone that had contributed to the project including the University of Sheffield and Arts Council England.

8.1.3

The committee offered their thanks to Rebecca Maddox, Head of Business Development for all her work on the strategy.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee:-

1)    Notes:

• the progress so far in developing a new Culture Strategy for Sheffield

• details of the Shared Prosperity Fund Year 3 Cultural Showcase activity

• detail of the Place Partnership bid which was recently submitted

• progress with the Cultural Pipeline Fund

2)    Approves the grant award of £118,250 revenue funding from Project Feasibility Fund to Harmony Works Trust (CIO) for the development and completion of a detailed business case for the creation of a regional music education hub at Castlegate.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The report provides a progress update on SCC’s new Strategic Approach to Culture. The recommendations build on previous reports in September 2022, February 2023 and September 2023. The recommendation to support Harmony Works Trust (CIO) with Project Feasibility Funding builds on the principles of the Strategic Approach to Culture, and will create strong positive outcomes for education, skills, culture, regeneration and heritage.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The proposed allocation of PFF funding to Harmony Works Trust (CIO) could be refused. This would create a funding gap for the project and slow or stop the development work on the project. It would put at risk significant funds already secured by the project from Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund. If the project did not proceed, this would be a huge loss for the city, especially for our young people and music-based groups.