THE clock continues to tick towards a final decision on the future of the Thameside Complex in Grays.

At a meeting of Thurrock Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee last night (Tuesday, 7 March) councillors and members of a community group seeking to take over the running of the complex, challenged a number of proposals, recommendations  and statements put forward by the council's director of Place, Mark Bradbury.

In a report to the meeting Mr Bradbury outlined options and proposals, which included 'developing a shared cultural strategy for Thurrock with partners'.

Closure and disposal of the Thameside was seen as a prelude to creating a wider arts scenbario across the borough – though there was little detail other than the authority hoped to move the library and museum into its existing civic office building.

Cllr John Kent questioned what cultural and event provision within the borough could look like moving forward, and if cultural provision would be moved away from Grays.

Mr Bradbury responded by saying that Grays was the primary centre for culture and events, as the town contained a mix of retail, housing and leisure facilities, but if other alternatives were presented then these would not be excluded.

He added that culture had a wide definition and could range from street art to a new theatre building.

He felt that cultural arts and activities should look beyond the Thameside building to a range of locations and events across Thurrock, and his team were open to suggestions on how arts and culture should be delivered.

He said it was proposed to carry out consultation with the public.

Cllr Kent queried who would carry out the proposed consultations, how much these would cost and when they would begin. He also asked if there would be three separate consultations on the three different areas.

Mr Bradbury explained that there would be overlap between the three consultations as they would be on the same digital platform, but they would be separate and would contain different questions and discussions.

He added that any roundtable meetings between the Council and community interest groups as part of the consultation would include a third-party facilitator, as this had been shown to be best practice.

He added that there was no firm budget for the consultations, but the main expenditure would be on the third-party facilitator, as the consultations would be run by existing staff members. Councillor Kent asked if the library relocation fell under statutory consultations and regulations.

The Director of Place confirmed that it was a statutory duty and would have a separate consultation.

Representatives of the 'Save the Thameside Campaign' who want to take over it running put a number of questions to Mr Bradbury and his answers are detailed via this link.

The options put forward by Mr Bradbury were discussed - but only after an embarrssing moment for Mr Bradbury and his team when councillors revealled they had not been issued with copies of amended recommendations and their detail prior to the meeting.

Councillors said it was unrealistic for them to make decisions on the recommendations without having the documents to read and consider.

Cllr Kent wondered if the council had not 'had time' to find five minutes to print out copies.

The meeting was adjourned for about 15 minutes while the papers were printd and councillors given time to read them.

Cllr Paul Arnold asked if the council would be liable for ongoing costs of the theatre if they did nothing?

Mark Bradbury (left) answered questions from campaigners and councillors.

Mr Bradbury confirmed that the Council would be liable, as well as being liable for planned maintenance and the required investment.

He stated that if the Council leased the building but retained occupation, the Council could introduce service charges and sinking funds, but it would be the tenant's responsibility to maintain the building.

Cllr Arnold asked if the team had undertaken a comparative exercise to determine the cost and availability of other office spaces in Grays.

Mr Bradbury explained that the team had undertaken an assessment of office space value in Grays, although the values ranged significantly based on specification, facilities, and area.

Cllr James Thandi questioned if a break clause could be included if the building was leased out.

The Director of Place explained that this could be included, but stated that the team would be unable to begin a lease without a financially viable business plan being put in place.

Cllr Thandi asked if the complex would remain open while consultations were running and was told Thameside would remain open as usual, and bookings had been accepted until the summer of 2023.

He stated that no changes would be implemented until a decision had been made.

You can view the whole meeting via this link.

Councillors agreed to 'note' Mr Bradbury's recommendations which go before cabinet next week.