Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

            The minutes of the meeting of 16th September, 2024, were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st October.

            No Declarations of Interest were reported.

            The Committee approved its schedule of meetings for the period from January to December 2025:

·        Monday 20th January at 5.15 pm;

·        Monday 10th March at 5.15 pm;

·        Monday 16th June at 5.15 pm;

·        Monday 15th September at 5.15 pm; and

·        Monday 10th November at 5.15 pm.

            The Programme Delivery Manager provided the Committee with an update on the capital and maintenance works at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Waterfront and Ulster Hall.

            He advised Members that works in relation to the smoke curtains in the Waterfront’s auditorium, and the replacement of chiller units, would be included in the capital programme and that consultants had been appointed to help support the design and delivery of the works.

            The Committee noted the contents of the report and that a programme of works in respect of the toilets in the Waterfront, had been completed and included upgrades to lighting and emergency lighting, ventilation, and facilities commensurate with that provided within the ICC.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following three items are restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the Press and public from the meeting during discussion of the items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Members were also reminded that the content of ‘restricted’ reports and any discussion which took place during closed session must be treated as ‘confidential information’ and that no such information should be disclosed to the public as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Code of Conduct.  

            The Acting Chief Executive and Director of Finance, Risk and Corporate Services (ICC Belfast) provided the Committee with an update on Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd.’s (BWUH Ltd.) performance for Quarter 2 of 2024/2025, covering the period 1st April, 2024, to 30th September, 2024.

            He informed Members that Quarter 2 was quiet, as expected, with the Waterfront Hall’s closure in July and August to facilitate a major refurbishment of the cityside toilets which would improve customer experience within the venue.

            The Committee was provided with an overview of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd.’s performance for Quarter 2 year-to-date for 2024/25, in relation to its key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets.

            The Director of Events and Customer Experience (ICC Belfast) updated the Committee on BWUH Ltd.’s corporate social responsibility including, apprenticeships and placements, its partnership with the charity ‘Inspire’, the roll out of its team engagement strategy, and its continuing work in respect of embedding diversity and inclusion in the culture of the organisation.

            In addition, he also highlighted the importance of BWUH Ltd.’s engagement with the local community, which included the hosting of 10 charity and community entertainment events in Quarter 2 and its continued support to the Ulster Orchestra.

            The Acting Chief Executive and Director of Finance, Risk and Corporate Services (ICC Belfast) provided an update on BWUH Ltd.’s work in respect of sustainability, governance, and risk management.

            During discussion, the representatives answered a range of questions in relation to the impact of Covid-19, performance targets, apprenticeships and placements, and the Venue Sustainability Forum (VSF).

            After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report.

The Committee was provided with the BWUH Ltd. Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2024.

            The Members were advised that the BWUH Ltd. Annual Report and Financial Statements were agreed as final by the BWUH Ltd. Audit Risk and Compliance Committee on 28th May, 2024, and that they were adopted by the BWUH Ltd. Board on 6th June, 2024.

The Committee noted the BWUH Ltd Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2024.

            The Senior Manager, Economy updated the Committee on the recruitment for senior positions to BWUH Ltd, including the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director and the remuneration of a new Chief Executive.

            In response to a number of issues raised by Members in respect of the remuneration of a new Chief Executive, the Senior Manager advised that a report would be submitted to the Committee that provided additional information.

            After discussion, the Committee:

                   I.      Approved the appointment of one new Non-Executive Director to BWUH Ltd for a three-year term; and

                 II.      Agreed to defer the decision in respect of the new Chief Executive’s remuneration, to a special meeting of the Committee on Monday 25th November, and that a report be submitted that would provide further details and clarification on the remuneration for the new BWUH Ltd Chief Executive.