Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration.

The report provides an interim update on the delivery of the Stockport Town of Culture programme prior to full evaluation being carried out.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to note the update on Town of Culture delivery and provide comments to inform the final evaluation and plans for legacy and future cultural growth in the Borough.

Officer contact: Peter Ashworth on 0161 474 2392 or email peter.ashworth@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an interim update on the delivery of the Stockport Town of Culture programme prior to full evaluation being carried out.

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport (Councillor Frankie Singleton) attended the meeting to respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members welcomed the report, along with the work which had taken place for the Town of Culture year. Members noted that footfall in the town centre had increased by 73 per cent.

·         A full evaluation of the overall economic impact, both quantitative and qualitative, from the Town of Culture was planned for March 2024, when the Town of Culture year was due to come to a conclusion.

·         In terms of legacy, Town of Culture year had given the council the opportunity to build contacts with 150 organisations and it would continue to collaborate with those organisations on future projects.

·         Members asked about learning in terms of the provision of libraries and museums across the borough. In response it was stated that engaging with residents was a legacy of the Town of Culture approach to cultural provision, along with building relationships and engaging with the public to get more people visiting Stockport’s libraries and museums.

·         The council intended to engage with the next Town of Culture and share its learning.

·         The Stockport Town of Culture weekend event was planned take place on 23 and 24 March 2024 throughout Stockport, involving movement, music, heritage and the arts. All events would be free of charge and bookable, including free entry to the borough’s museums. A range of activities was planned for the newly opened Interchange Park and performances would take place at Merseyway and the market, along with guided walks giving details of Stockport’s history. The programme for the weekend of events was due be published shortly.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.