Tuesday, May 21

Venue: Room A, Preston Town Hall.

Tony Dawber in attendance on behalf of PCN.

Tim Joel of Preston CC gave full update on PCC events and Harris.

PCC events.

TJ said PCC have organised successful series of events and have evaluated last year’s programme.

TJ said surveys indicated 150,000 visitors have come into city to attend events.

85 per cent satisfied and footfall of 2.5 million.

Example is Fire Garden event with 157,000 visitors to Avenham Park for this.

MET tent programme successful and is being rolled out again in 2024.

Chair Cllr Zafar Coupland stressed involvement of BME groups very important especially in inner city wards eg Larches.

The Harris.

TJ explained a 2016 study concluded Harris not working as a venue ie low visitor levels, stale, dated feel prompting many to say ‘not for me,’ decaying building in need of repair.

New design based on flexibility, and accessibility with light, airy feel, rotating programme of displays, new public entrance on Lancaster Road.

Artist from Cairo assisting on revamp of Egyptian gallery.

ZC requested IRG have preliminary visit before official opening. Agreed.

TJ thanked for presentations.

Funding update given by Lesley Pritchard of Preston CC.

Community Funding not available this term but grants passed on participation, Asylum Seeker Grants and UKSPF Volunteering Grant available. See Preston CC for details.

Draft of new Equality Strategy distributed which met with approval.

Future events mentioned under any other business included Disability Pride event on June 20 at Flag Market, various family fun days and Battle of Bamber Bridge anniversary celebrations on June 22 with Windrush Festival following day.