News / Bristol Arena
Rees slams ‘dogmatic loud voices’ as he postpones arena decision
Marvin Rees was due to make one of the first major decisions of his mayoral term in office on Monday over the location of the long-awaited Bristol Arena.
But instead he has delayed the choice while at the same time criticising both “dogmatic loud voices who have pre-determined views” and also the city council’s own scrutiny committee for focussing on a “binary choice” between Temple Island and Filton
Monday was the day which Rees was due to reveal his hand in advance of a cabinet meeting on July 3.
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Following new information coming to light at the three meetings of the council’s scrutiny panel, however, the mayor has failed to declare his choice and has not given a date by which he will make up his mind.
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Read more: Contractors guarantee arena at Temple Meads can be delivered on budget
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Three overview and scrutiny management board meetings took place over more than ten hours last week, with councillors questioning representatives from value-for-money report authors KPMG, arena operators Arena Island Ltd, Arena Island developers Buckingham Group and Brabazon hangar owners YTL.
Rees was the only person invited to take part in the scrutiny committee’s discussions who refused to attend.
“I thank the scrutiny committee for their work,” Rees said in a statement.
“Although I am disappointed that the scrutiny report ended up focussing on a binary choice between Temple Island and Filton and missed the bigger social and economic questions around the potential developments of Temple Quarter, the process did throw up two interesting pieces of evidence.
“Firstly, Buckingham, our contractor partner for an arena on Temple Island, gave evidence to suggest a financial offer which they had never tabled previously. Their verbal evidence suggested they could build the arena substantially cheaper and at no risk to Bristol City Council.
“In addition, the arena operators said they could improve their offer further and I have to consider these key factors.”
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Read more: Bristol councilors overwhelmingly in support of city centre arena
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Rees said that he has written to Buckingham and is “in contact with” Arena Island Ltd – a joint venture made up of Live Nation and SMG – to ask them both to clarify their offers.
The mayor added that Buckingham’s offer “is particularly substantial as this could remove tens of millions of pounds of public borrowing from the real cost of developing on Temple Island”.
He added: “I would be ignoring my responsibilities to the city if I didn’t drive the best deal for the people of Bristol.”
A fina decision on whether Bristol Arena will be built at Temple Island or Filton will not be taken by Rees “until those offers have been formally tabled and fully considered”.
“This is a decision for the 50-year future of Bristol: for jobs, for economic growth and to maintain a vibrant city centre by delivering the best option,” Rees said. “I must ensure all options have been appropriately developed and considered.
“Unlike some dogmatic loud voices who have pre-determined views and choose to ignore facts presented to them, I see this decision as one that must be evidence based.
“It must be set against a clear criteria that explains what we require for our money. This is how we ensure we make the best decision for Bristol.
“I remain committed to delivering an arena which our city needs, the city can afford, and which Bristolians can be proud of.”
Read more: ‘Bristol Arena report is comparing apples with pears’
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