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St James is to get £151,000 in a one-off payment as part of the 2025 Budget - without the need for the money to be debated.
But the money comes with an agreement between Policy and Resources - which controls the purse strings - and Education, Sport, and Culture - which has responsibility for St James - that a new business plan is created for the venue.
The one-off payment, which was announced late yesterday, doesn't need to be debated by the States as it will be paid for out of a budget reserve.
It was agreed through talks between ESC and P&R "to support (St James') ongoing operation" after grave concerns had been raised that St James would quickly become financially unviable when it was not listed for any funds within the 2025 Budget.
A new 'Save St James' campaign was launched, which will now be supported through the new business plan.
ESC President, Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, and her vice-President, Deputy Sam Haskins, had lodged an amendment to the budget asking for £151,000 to be paid to St James, with an assurance that "work is underway and will continue between the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture and St James to ensure there is a sustainable plan in place to secure the longer term future of St James".
However, the behind-the-scenes talks mean that amendment is no longer necessary as the money has been granted.
Deputy Dudley-Owen said she and Deputy Haskins "are very grateful to the Policy & Resources Committee for this pragmatic solution to the funding issue around St James".
"St James is a hugely valuable cultural asset to our community for islanders and visitors alike, and while purse strings must be tight at the moment, it was also important that St James was properly supported for next year," she said.
"The work we will undertake with St James will ensure that the centre is on a steady footing for future years, and avoid uncertainty occurring every year. We must find a sustainable business model with a long-term plan that ensures St James can keep delivering to the community for many years to come.”
P&R says the one-off payment of £151,000 comes with a condition that ESC works with St James’ to develop a sustainable plan for its future.
That will have to lead to a "business plan to put St James on a more secure footing going forwards". A service level agreement will also be put in place as a result of this funding agreement, to make funding clearer for future budgets.
Merise Wheatley, President of St James, said they are keen to work with ESC to this end.
“The Council and Board of St James appreciate the support and belief of the Policy & Resources Committee in providing the funding we need for 2025. We will take this opportunity to work with the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture towards optimising the use of St James for the long term as a vibrant, inspirational and accessible cultural hub and resource for the whole community.”
FOCUS: Keeping St. James at the heart of island life
St James receives £25k support from GSY Community Foundation
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