Agenda item

4.1    Cllr Curran outlined that there was money available for improvements in Sydenham under Section 106, where developers set aside funding to be spent on capital project i.e. improvements to community facilities.

4.2    There are three bids which you have copies of (see appendix 1), and a representative from each organisation will give a brief outline.

4.3    Zoe from Sydenham Arts outlined that their bid was for provision of lights, audio-visual equipment and a hearing loop to make the space more accessible for all and to broaden the use of the space. Cllr Curran added that this would also increase the scope for creating income through hiring the space out.

4.4    Ilse from Sydenham Library explained that the library is used by a variety of groups and that there are two main issues; the boiler needs replacing and the domed windows insulating as it is very cold in the winter and there are roof repairs that are undermining the structure of the building.

4.5    Barry from The Sydenham Society presented their proposals to improve the Sydenham Centre. There are two areas that need addressing with the building in order to improve it and allow it to become a community hub. The first is to engage a surveyor to draw up a plan to reconfigure the space so that is it flexible and multifunctional for all users. The second is to replace the current security system on the doors which is inappropriate for the changing use of the building.

Q.   I am unclear as to whether the Sydenham Arts & Sydenham Society bids are interdependent or are they competing regarding the use of the space.

A.   Zoe confirmed that they are very much working together on the development of the centre and all the proposals are about improving the use and access for the whole community. Barry added that you could do one without the other.

Q.   Is the Sydenham Centre where the film club will move now that they are refurbishing The Golden Lion?

A.   The Golden Lion will still have space for the film club, but it is not an ideal space as it takes a considerable amount of work to set it up and take it down again. The improvements to Sydenham Centre would make it a good alternative venue and we could expand the screening in terms of type and frequency.

4.6    Sarah Lang explained that the Co-ordinating Group met to review the bids and felt that all three proposal added value. Sarah explained the voting procedure and added that we would work with the community to fund all the proposed improvements to both buildings. Attendees were asked to select one of the three proposals outlined ( A, B or C). Proposals and votes are detailed below.