Wrthi'n llwytho
Ystyriodd Pwyllgor Craffu Economi a Diwylliant a PRAP ar y cyd ddiweddariad ar waith Neuadd y Ddinas, gan gynnwys y rhaglen cynnal a chadw hanfodol a strategaeth ariannu ar gyfer camau 4 i 7. Holodd y Pwyllgor swyddogion ar y gyllideb, yr amserlen, gwarchod yr adeilad a mynediad y cyhoedd. Cytunodd y Pwyllgor y bydd y Cadeirydd yn ysgrifennu at yr Aelod Cabinet gyda'i sylwadau a'i argymhellion.
Councillor Peter Wong was elected as Chairperson for the meeting. This was proposed by Cllr Calum Davies and seconded by Cllr Ash-Edwards.
Apologies had been received from Cllrs Anderson, Carter, Chowdhury, Green and Lewis.
None received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson advised Committee that this report provided an update on the essential maintenance programme, sets out a funding strategy for this and seeks delegated authority to progress procurement and delivery of phases 4-7. Committee has the opportunity to explore these and how risks and implications for the Council have been identified and mitigated. Members were reminded that Appendices 1, 2, 4 and 5 contain exempt information and were asked not to refer to these until Committee goes in to closed session. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Russell Goodway – Cabinet Member, Investment & Development; Neil Hanratty – Director of Economic Development; Donna Jones – Assistant Director, County Estates and Chris Barnett – Operational Manager, Major Projects, to the meeting. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. The Committee was reassured that the delays affecting the City Hall works had not resulted in any overspend. It was noted that the original estimated budget stood at £30 million, while the current projection was £27.9 million, indicating that the project remained within the financial envelope. Although significant challenges had caused time delays, these had not impacted the budget. Members were also reassured that the £6.3 million grant from the Welsh Government, which must be spent in 2025/26, remained achievable. Officers advised that the current scope of works would enable the re-opening of City Hall. However, substantial further investment would be required for the interior, contingent on confirming its future use as both office space (rear) and venue space (front). It was acknowledged that the Council did not anticipate significant rental income from leasing City Hall. Instead, the primary financial benefit would be a £1 million reduction in long-term revenue running costs. Members were informed of the advantages of progressing with works to the rear of City Hall (phases 4–7) at this stage. The Council had been in active discussions with public sector organisations, but some preparatory work was necessary before the space could be shown to potential tenants. This approach aimed to support a long-term sustainable use for the rear of the building. There had been encouraging interest from public sector bodies in using the space for offices, and Members were advised that timely investment was essential to capitalise on this interest. It was noted that a business case for leasing the rear of City Hall would be presented to Cabinet, and the Committee would incorporate pre-decision scrutiny into its work programme. The Committee examined the reasons behind the 18-month delay to the City Hall works and questioned whether conservation-related delays could have been anticipated in the original timeline. Officers explained that multiple factors had contributed to the delay, including asbestos removal, heating system upgrades, and consultations with Cadw to preserve the building’s façade. It was noted that the projected re-opening for the event venue was Quarter 2, 2026 and the date for all works to be completed, including in the rear, potentially office, space, was January 2027, subject to the resolution of any emerging issues. At that point, the Council’s works would be complete, and any further work or maintenance would be incorporated into lease agreements. Members sought clarification on when bookings for the event space at the front of City Hall could commence. Officers were reluctant to commit to a specific date due to the pressure it would place on project delivery and budget management amid economic uncertainty. The Committee raised concerns about safeguarding City Hall as a long-term asset for the Council and the city. It was noted that Cadw had been closely involved in the project and shared the Council’s commitment to securing a sustainable future for the building. The proposal to use the rear of City Hall as office space had been positively received. However, Members acknowledged that the scope for internal changes was limited and that the building’s internal character would largely remain intact. Members sought assurance that the Council was committed to preserving City Hall for future generations. While no major internal changes were planned at this stage, the Committee was reassured that current works were focused on asset protection. It was also noted that future disposal of the office space could enable reinvestment in the front of the building, supporting heritage preservation and improved accommodation standards. Members sought clarification and it was confirmed that the Grade I listing applied to the entire building, including internal features and equipment such as the boiler room. It was noted that Cadw had requested the reversal of certain historical alterations to the internal fabric, contributing to project delays. Cadw’s requirements had become more stringent, leaving minimal scope for internal modifications. The Committee acknowledged the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump system. Members were informed that the building would be zoned for heating, allowing for ambient temperature control throughout. Members sought assurance that the Council Chamber would remain available for Full Council meetings. Officers confirmed that any lease agreement would include a non-negotiable clause preserving access to the Chamber, particularly as the new Cardiff Bay office building would not include such a facility. In the event of a major conference, alternative venues would be required, though Members noted these might lack webcasting capabilities. The Committee reiterated its commitment to maintaining public access to the front of City Hall. Members highlighted the building’s history of hosting successful public events, exhibitions, and conferences. The Committee supported the development of a marketing strategy that would maximise the building’s value while ensuring continued public access. Members sought clarification and were reassured that no RAAC concrete was present in City Hall. It was recommended that the Council’s communications team verify the accuracy of a Wales Online article and request a correction if necessary. RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee – Wednesday 10 September 2025 at 4.30pm Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 16 September 2025 at 4.30pm
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Dyw'r cofnodion ddim yn cofnodi unrhyw ddatganiadau o fuddiant.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.