To receive a presentation from representatives of Totton and Eling Town Council and Eling Tide Mill Experience on current performance against the Business Plan for the ETM, together with details of the way in which financial contributions from the District Council will be utilised.
Minutes:
Cllr Arthur Davies declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Totton Town Council representative on the Eling Tide Mill Trust. He concluded that there were no issues under common law that prevented him from remaining in the meeting to speak and vote.
The Panel received a presentation from representatives of Totton and Eling Town Council and the Eling Tide Mill Experience on current performance against the Business Plan for the ETM, together with details of the way in which financial contributions from the District Council would be utilised.
It was explained that in 2014, the Heritage Lottery Fund had made a grant of £1.6m enabling a total of £2m worth of works for the Eling Tide Mill Experience. The District Council had agreed a contribution of £32,000 in the last financial year, and the Budget Task and Finish Group had requested that a report be made to the Panel, giving an update on the management of the Eling Tide Mill, including visitor numbers. Mr Biggs explained that whilst the facility had had a successful year, visitor numbers had not met expectations, with 5/6,000 visitors per annum compared to the expected 14/15,000 visitors. He hoped that the Council would consider funding the facility at £32,000 for one further year, with a view to reducing the funding over a four year period. The Town Council had invested substantial funds in the project early on, and were now considering ways to reduce operating costs.
The facility had a projected £80,000 financial loss in the past year. The aim was to work to a more sustainable future on costs and income, and reduce the subsidy from the Council. Until 31 December 2019, the Tide Mill had been tied into various constraints required by the Lottery Heritage Fund (LHF). It was now free to make operational changes, which it would hope would realise savings of between £30,000 - £40,000 per annum.
It was hoped that increased numbers of coach bookings could help generate further revenue. Advertising had been funded by the LHF and it was now planned to reassign the work of the ETM Education Officer role towards marketing activities and targeted advertising. It was suggested that an approach be made to English Heritage to affiliate with them. Overall it was felt that there was potential in promoting what was an inexpensive attraction.
Members requested that an update be given at a future meeting, setting out the new business plan, with more detailed income and expenditure information.
The Panel heard that there was overwhelming support from local people for the ETM, and in this connection it was felt that local residents could be encouraged to visit, perhaps out of season.
The Portfolio Holder, Cllr Steele, was very impressed with the ETM Team and they had had some useful discussions concerning the long-term maintenance costs and he felt that the facility was a valuable asset.
RESOLVED:
(a) That it be a recommendation to the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, that £32,000 be allocated to the Eling Tide Mill for 2020/21, on basis that future allocations will be reduced over the next four years.
(b) That a further update be brought to the Panel on the business plan going forward in support of cost reductions and income generation.