Jane Morgan, Senior Manager – Culture, introduced a report and gave a detailed presentation on the progress made in respect of implementing Wirral’s Culture Strategy, with particular reference to the impact of the 2018 Imagine Wirral culture programme and the 2019 Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture programme.

Members made a number of comments and observations following the presentation, including:

·  Wirral was now in a good place to build on visitor economy outcomes given progress to date.

·  It was important to ensure that residents / neighbouring areas were fully engaged with events about potential impact, e.g. in respect of noise.

·  With regard to legacy, there was a need for some sustainable projects to keep residents and visitors coming back.

·  In respect of social isolation some of the large scale events were of important social value in terms of volunteering.

·  There was a need to engage with some of the cruise ship companies and ‘blue badge’ guides so that heritage trails and visitor tours benefitted Wirral as well as Liverpool and other parts of the City Region.

·  There was also a need to demonstrate the legacy of cultural and sporting events and show this through evaluation methodologies which were both quantitative and qualitative.

·  These events had attracted visitors from the wider region and beyond and not just from the Wirral.

Responding to comments from Members, Jane Morgan commented that the data on the economic benefits of investment in culture was based on a standard recognised survey methodology, using a sample of visitors and she would circulate the information on this. With regard to volunteers there was an application process and an induction; a volunteer manager was also in place at each event to support volunteers. With regard to the social impact, quantitative and qualitative data was collected and case studies were also used. There was also lots of evidence nationally and internationally around culture and wellbeing and there was a need to be able to evaluate this in Wirral on an ongoing basis.

Members thanked all those who had been and were involved in organising these events including Lucy Barrow, Jane Morgan and all the team.

David Armstrong also added his thanks and appreciation to all the staff from the Culture and Visitor Economy Team and also all the other Council staff, including those involved in organising road closures, cleaning up and the significant number of volunteers.

The Chair commented upon the comparatively small amount of money spent by the Council on these events in return for such a large economic impact and the need to continue growing the visitor economy through continued investment.

Resolved – That the report, presentation and comments be noted and the thanks of this Committee be accorded to all the staff involved in helping with all these past and future events.