Festival Hall: Where We Are and What Happens Next
Update December 2025
A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to move the Festival Hall project forward, and we wanted to share an update on what’s been done so far. Independent specialists are now reviewing the business plan to make sure it meets national Green Book standards. They’ve already identified areas that need rewriting and are gathering detailed information on visitors, staffing and events. At the same time, technical surveys required for planning conditions have also begun.
Reviewing the Business Plan
Back in September 2025, the Town Council agreed that the Festival Hall business plan needed an independent check to make sure it meets the government’s HM Treasury Green Book Five Case Model. This model is the national standard used for major public projects, helping ensure value for money, clear planning and strong justification for investment.
To do this work, the Council appointed Elucidate Consulting Ltd.
In October the Town Clerk and Projects Manager met with Elucidate Consulting to review the existing plan (originally drafted in 2023).
At the same time, there was an independent review of the plan rating each section using a simple red-amber-green (RAG) system. Several key sections were marked red, meaning they need to be written from scratch. Some parts were marked amber, meaning they can be updated rather than completely rewritten.
In November a follow-up meeting was held with Elucidate to get their feedback. It was agreed that much of the plan needs rewriting to meet Green Book standards. Case studies already included were recognized as strong. However, governance (how the Festival Hall is managed and overseen) needs further clarification.
Elucidate Consulting has now completed a full assessment. A summary will be shared publicly, while the detailed version remains confidential for commercial reasons.
What the Green Book Requires
To pass the government’s evaluation standards, the business plan must clearly set out five key areas;
- Strategic Case – Why the project is needed
- Economic Case – How it delivers value for money
- Commercial Case – Whether it’s viable in the real world
- Financial Case – Whether it’s affordable
- Management Case – Whether it can be delivered successfully
Work is now underway to strengthen each of these areas.
Data Needed for Cost-Benefit Analysis
Another important part of the process is a Cost benefit Analysis, carried out by Genecon Ltd, which helps determine the economic value of the project.
Genecon has asked for detailed information about:
Visitors and Activities
- Projected ticketed and non-ticketed visitor numbers
- Expected footfall in all areas (including café and community spaces)
- Estimated visitor Spending
Staffing
- Numbers of staff needed
- Staff salaries
- Costs for freelance/contracted staff
- Expected volunteer input
Operations
- Number and types of events each year
- Supply chain spending
- Projected income and surplus/deficit
- Assumptions behind financial estimates
The Venues Manager will now be pulling together all this information.
A Business Plan Working Party meeting will be arranged soon, bringing together Elucidate Consulting Ltd and Genecon Ltd.
RIBA 4 Lite – Meeting Planning Requirements
Alongside the business plan, work is continuing on RIBA Stage 4 Lite – a fast track version of the technical design. This will satisfy planning conditions and enable building works to begin before the planning permission expires in October 2027.
Recent Site Visits
Specialist contractors have visited the Festival Hall to gather the detailed information required by the planning authority.
Contractor Date Focus Planning Condition
Conisbees Mid 2025 Surface Water Condition 8
GF Holding Sept 2025 Site Management Condition 7
Gillieron Scott Nov 2025 Acoustics Condition 12
More visits will follow as different technical requirements are worked through.
