Options Appraisal for Marina Theatre

The consultant will be required to:

1. Review the current operating model for the Marina Theatre, including:

• Governance and legal structure
• Financial performance and funding arrangements
• Staffing structure
• Key partnerships (including other theatres located in the wider area)

2.Identify and assess alternative operating models, including but not limited to:

• Option 1: No change to current arrangements: the Marina Theatre Trust continues to operate the theatre and receive the current grant from LTC.

Option 1.a: The consultants should consider the effect of retaining the current management model but with the potential for any reduction in the level of annual grant based on a review of generated income.

• Option 2: Bringing the theatre operation in-house under direct Town Council management
• Option 3: Outsourcing to an established external theatre operator or commercial provider
• Option(s) 4+: other options as proposed by the consultant

3. Evaluate each option against a set of agreed criteria, to include:

• Financial sustainability and value for money
• Governance and accountability
• Staff implications and organisational capacity
• Alignment with wider Town Council objectives and operations

4. Produce a final report that includes:

• Summary of findings and insights
• Detailed option appraisals with SWOT analyses and financial implications
• Comparative assessment and scoring against agreed criteria
• Risks and mitigation strategies for each option
• Clear recommendations and rationale

5. Present findings to Council officers and/or elected members

Deliverables

• Draft option appraisal report
• Final option appraisal report with executive summary and recommendations
• Presentation of findings