In May 2010 Torridge District Council (TDC) appointed Knight, Kavanagh and Page (KKP) to, working with Council staff, stakeholders and partners, produce a cultural strategy and undertake an options appraisal for the management of the Council's cultural stock.

Cultural Strategy

Alongside the Council, a range of agencies and organisations are involved in developing and delivering culture, leisure and tourism in Torridge. These include community groups, voluntary sector clubs, health, the County Council, schools, arts organisations, school sport partnerships, Parkwood Leisure, Active Devon and local businesses.

KKP's approach to strategy development in TDC encompassed:

• Assessment of existing provision - KKP appraised and developed comprehensive understanding of culture, sport and recreation facilities, agencies and services across the District.
• Supply and demand analysis - KKP assessed the extent to which culture and leisure services and provision met current and future community needs and aspirations. This was achieved via usage data analysis, extensive consultation and use of Active Places Power and Active People.
• Workshops - Following a review of the contemporary research undertaken and associated data collated, KKP facilitated visioning workshops with elected members and TDC officers. These captured key issues and partner expectations and generated buy-in from members and officers. A second ‘feedback workshop' was conducted at the end of the process to present key findings.

A strategy was then produced, which centred primarily upon the need for better co-ordination of the groups/ organisations delivering and developing culture and leisure.

Management options appraisal

KKP was also tasked with determining whether TDC achieves value for money from its current cultural services. The scope of the facilities and services included Torridge Pool and Fitness Centre, Great Torrington Swimming Pool, Great Torrington Sports College Sports Hall, Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Burton Art Gallery and Museum and the Council's Sports Development Team. The appraisal included:

• Identifying the range of opportunities available to maximise financial advantage and, in particular, access additional opportunities for savings and investment.
• Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each management option.
• Producing a financial evaluation for each alternative.

Reporting on the findings, KKP identified substantial potential to increase net income via development of improved health and fitness facilities at all sites, especially Torridge Pool. TDC is now considering investment to save opportunities and the re-procurement of the service.