Decision
Analysis
outcome: The committee approved the strategic directions and allocated budgets for capital investment and business plan development.
summary: The decision involves approving strategic directions for key assets, including development of a civic and cultural hub, transition to an independent charitable trust model, and partnership-led delivery model for community and wellbeing centers.
topline: The Strategy and Resources Committee has decided to approve strategic directions and allocate budgets for key asset development.
reason_contentious: This decision may be contentious as it involves significant financial investments and potential changes to the management and operation of key assets.
affected_stakeholders: ["Local authority", "Community members", "Charitable trust", "Partnership organizations"]
contentiousness_score: 7
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1568
Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Committee
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Following consideration, the committee resolved by the Chair’s casting vote (with the previous voting being tied with 4 votes for and 4 votes against) to: (1) Note the updates contained within both this report and the Community Asset Review June 2026 (Appendix 2 to the report). (2) Approve the strategic direction for the three key assets, namely; (2.1) Bourne Hall, Ewell - development of an integrated civic and cultural hub held by a local authority, improving connectivity between the library, museum, café, events and community functions. (2.2) The Playhouse, Epsom – commence preparatory transition work towards an independent charitable trust operating model, supported by targeted investment to improve flexibility, programming and commercial performance. (2.3) Community & Wellbeing Centre, Ewell - partnership-led delivery model, with rationalisation of the site and consideration of future co-location opportunities where appropriate. (3) Note the update on Bourne Hall Museum and approve the recommendation of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, for an initial investment of £125,000 in this financial year (Year 1) as set out in the attached business case (Appendix 3 to the report) and approve £125,000 for a further investment in year 2 that will be built into a future business case for the wider Bourne Hall, noting the requirements of the section 24 Local Government and Public Health Involvement Act 2007 direction. (4) Agree to combine the workstreams supporting Priority 4 (Community Asset review) and Priority 7 (Museum Service Review) to achieve best value, best use of resources and to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach. (5) Agree a capital budget of £3m for capital investment to deliver critical works aligned to the priorities set out in the Community Asset Review, with a detailed business plan to return to the relevant Committee for approval, noting the requirements of the section 24 Local Government and Public Health Involvement Act 2007 direction (6) Approve a budget of up to £80,000 to support the development of the detailed business plan for (5) above, noting the requirements of the section 24 Local Government and Public Health Involvement Act 2007 direction. (7) Note a package of operational ‘quick wins’ will be delivered in line with the approach set out in the Community Asset Review, subject to resource and funding availability. Should further funding be required, this will be developed into a future funding request. (8) To recommend to the East Surrey Shadow Authority that any consent required to comply with the section 24 direction be provided to any of the relevant budgetary decisions as set out above.
Date of Decision: July 14, 2026