5 June 2013 ITEM: 16 01104213

Cabinet INVESTMENT IN HIGH HOUSE PRODUCTION PARK AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CULTURAL STRATEGY FOR Report of: Councillor Andy Smith, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Highways & Transportation

Wards and communities affected: Key Decision: No

Accountable Director: Steve Cox, Assistant Chief Executive

This report is public

Purpose of Report: To set out proposals for achieving the next phase of investment in High House Production Park and to commission the development of a Cultural Strategy for Thurrock.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The development of High House Production Park at Purfleet into a genuine national and international focus for the creative and cultural industries has taken place over the last three years. This report sets out proposals for the next stage of investment by the and to commission a cultural strategy review for Thurrock.

1. RECOMMENDATIONS:

That Cabinet:

1.1 Commission High House Production Park Ltd to carry out a strategic review of cultural provision and support within Thurrock.

1.2 Approve a loan of £1.5m to the Royal Opera House and a grant of £500,000 to secure the construction of the Costume Workshop at High House Production Park.

1.3 Delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Highways and Transportation and the Assistant Chief Executive to finalise the terms of such loan and grant.

2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

2.1 Initiated by the Thurrock Development Corporation but now the responsibility of the Council, the key ingredients of the investment on High House Production Park to date include: 1. High House Production Park Ltd was set up as a charity to manage the site and to maintain the integrity of the overall vision for High House. The charity was established in 2012 and is strongly supported by the Council. Trustees for the charity include Councillor John Kent, Councillor Tunde Ojetola, Councillor Sue McPherson and Graham Farrant the Chief Executive. The three Councillors were appointed through an open recruitment process and the Chief Executive fills the “founder member” status for the Council. Following the departure of Lord Tony Hall from the Royal Opera House to the BBC, the Chief Executive has acted as Chairman of the charity. Lord Hall’s successor Alex Beard will take over as Chairman when he starts at the Royal Opera House in October. 2. The Royal Opera House Production Workshop was moved from its previous location in Stratford to Purfleet and became the founder occupant of High House. The “Bob and Tamar Manoukian Workshop” was opened in 2011 and is the location where all sets for the Royal Opera House productions are constructed. 3. Outreach the Royal Opera House has run a very successful community outreach programme based at HHPP, supported by funding from the Council, which has been maintained within the medium term financial strategy. A wide range of community engagement events have been held and continue to be developed by the ROH outreach team. More details of this programme are attached as Appendix 1. 4. The Backstage Centre the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. The Backstage Centre was opened by Jools Holland in March 2013 and is the only dedicated off-stage training centre for “back of house” skills in theatre and event management in the UK. More recently the management team of the National Skills Academy has moved into the building which now forms the basis of a high quality training opportunity for local young people, as well as forming the basis for the industry’s training nationally. 5. Artists Studios the fourth phase of the development, 43 artists’ studios including four work/live units, is nearing completion. It is anticipated that the building will be handed over to specialist studio operator Acme Studios in June/July 2013 with an official opening expected in Spring 2014. The Council has continued to support HHPP by providing capital project management services to oversee these works.

2.2 There are further opportunities for development on the Production Park site and the Trustees are actively pursuing these. These include the development of the Royal Opera House Costume Store which is detailed below.

2.3 The Council also leases part of the site to provide a playground replacing a facility previously located elsewhere on the site. 

2.4 The role of the Trust could be limited to simply acting as a landlord for a range of related like minded activities managing the physical location of a cluster of creative and cultural industries and training opportunities within Purfleet. However, the objectives of the Trust are much broader than this, under its charitable objectives High House Production Park is seeking to:

 be a centre of excellence for creative industries, offering high class facilities and state of the art technology to creative businesses locating on the Production Park;  showcase the talent in the creative industries and inspire a new generation to follow creative career pathways;  bring people together through a programme of activities which focus on the arts, heritage and culture, promoting all that these exciting areas have to offer;  protect the heritage of the Grade II listed High House Farm buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monument for future generations to learn about and enjoy; and  create a place which can be a hub of community activity offering flexible spaces and accessible areas for meetings, celebrations or recreation.

2.5 In essence, the continued development of High House Production Park will create “an international centre of excellence for culture, craft-based skills and regeneration” within that framework, HHPP Ltd are looking to create the following elements:

A local creative curriculum this area of focus is part of the long term regeneration of Thurrock to raise aspiration, increase skills for employability and to diversify the economy. The Production Park has introduced a new industry to the locality and, it is through education that we can maximise its benefits to young local people. The Park will be an inspirational place to share and to celebrate young people’s learning achievements with their families and with the wider community.

An international centre of excellence establishing international reciprocal relationships will bring prestige, enrich the local curriculum and widen public engagement. HHPP Ltd are exploring knowledge transfer and skills partnerships based on what the Park Partnership can deliver in terms of public engagement, education, back stage technical skills and regeneration. International partnerships will involve regular exchange, joint projects with schools and the wider community.

Signature projects the Park specialises in technical and crafts-based skills for the production of large scale indoor and outdoor performance events. The partnership will jointly commission periodic major cultural events in the Park to demonstrate the creativity and ingenuity of makers and to offer a platform for community participation.

Wider industry and education partnerships as an international centre of excellence, the Park fulfils a vital role for the wider creative sector in the UK in terms of training and specialised production. As such, a national network of 

major cultural organisations and further education colleges will be spending time in the Park, which provides a further opportunity to enrich the local curriculum and public engagement.

3 Developing a Cultural Strategy

3.1 Following discussions with Andrea Stark, the Chief Executive of High House Production Park, who was previously employed as Regional Director for the Arts Council in the East of , there is an opportunity for the Council to commission HHPP Ltd to utilise its strategic capacity to engage with cultural providers across the borough to produce a high level cultural strategy for Thurrock. The strategy will look at the opportunities and facilities that we have in order to maximise their value for the whole community. The cost of this work is estimated at £25,000 which can be met from within existing budgets.

3.2 Under normal circumstances this could be commissioned by the Officers directly, but given the non-pecuniary interest held by both the Chief Executive and the Leader, as well as two opposition Councillors, it is more appropriate for Cabinet to take the decision.

3.3 The alternative to single sourcing this contract would be to construct a detailed tender, to market the opportunity and then to carry out a detailed tender exercise. The advantage of single sourcing to HHPP Ltd is that the Council would be using a local charitable organisation which is already embedded into our local cultural community to carry out the work.

3.4 HHPP is uniquely positioned to take an informed and strategic perspective of the Borough and can take full account of local as well regional and national opportunities and potential across the creative and cultural sector. HHPP’s expertise and influence is also vital in ensuring that Thurrock’s cultural strategy becomes an integral element of the Growth Strategy work being undertaken by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. The Growth Strategy will guide and shape allocations from the Government’s planned Single Growth Fund in 2015, as well as the next round of funding based upon the EU Investment Prospectus. The early commissioning of HHPP to undertake the work will ensure a timely input to both pieces of work, which are planned for completion by SELEP later in 2013.

3.5 The Cabinet is therefore recommended to approve the commissioning of HHPP Ltd to carry out a strategic review of creative and cultural opportunities across Thurrock.

4 Royal Opera House Costume Store

4.1 The Royal Opera House is looking to build on its existing investment in Purfleet by relocating its Costume Workshop onto High House Production Park. The Council has been jointly engaged with the Royal Opera House and HHPP Ltd to prepare an investment case and to seek external funding. The Royal Opera House has now secured ERDF Grant funding of £1.5m to secure the move. In discussion it has become apparent that the relocation of the 

Costume Workshop to Purfleet could be secured through the Council providing financial support in the form of a blend of grant and loan. Officers have advised that any loan provided by the Council should be provided at commercial interest rates in order to prevent any challenge of “state aid” being provided to a trading organisation.

4.2 The proposal is that any loan provided by the Council would be forward loaned to the Royal Opera House with a commercial mark up on PWLB loan rates. However the scheme is still not financially viable unless the Council is prepared to support the application with a grant of £500,000 to the Royal Opera House. The benefits of relocating the ROH Costume Workshop onto High House Production Park in Purfleet are significant; securing the partnership with the Royal Opera House and defining Purfleet as the local, national and international centre for production capability within the Royal Opera House estate.

4.3 Cabinet is therefore recommended to approve that a loan of £1.5m be provided to the Royal Opera House on “commercial terms” and that a grant of £500,000 be paid to secure the relocation of the Costume Workshop onto High House Production Park with the terms to both the loan and grant to be negotiated. It is proposed that the authority to approve the terms of such a loan and grant be delegated to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Assistant Chief Executive.

5. ISSUES, OPTIONS AND ANALYSIS OF OPTIONS:

5.1 This report sets out the recommended solution which has been developed from a range of options analysed within the process to prepare the ERDF bid.

6. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION:

6.1 The recommendation will deliver the Council’s strategic objectives for High House Production Park and support the economic and cultural regeneration of Thurrock as a whole.

7. CONSULTATION (including Overview and Scrutiny, if applicable)

7.1 Consultation has been carried out with the partners involved in High House Production Park.

8. IMPACT ON CORPORATE POLICIES, PRIORITIES, PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

8.1 The recommendations support the delivery of the Council’s economic and cultural objectives, within the overall direction of the Community Strategy.

9. IMPLICATIONS

9.1 Financial

Implications verified by: Mike Hursthouse Telephone and email: Ext 2079 [email protected]

Financial implications of a loan to Royal Opera House will be limited to any risk of default. This can be considerably mitigated by securing the loan. The risk is in any event not considered to be material given the significant unrestricted reserves held by the Opera House.

The financial implications of a grant of £500,000 are that general fund expenditure budgets for 2013-14 will require to be adjusted to create sufficient resource in order to avoid exceeding overall budgeted expenditure for 2013- 14. Within the context of the overall budget this is not a material problem. The benefits to be secured by these measures include employment and training outcomes in a priority economic sector which are key to the Council’s regeneration agenda.

9.2 Legal

Implications verified by: David Lawson Telephone and email: 01375 652087 [email protected]

There are essentially two elements to this commercial transaction. Firstly, whether or not the Council has the power to enter into such a transaction. Secondly, whether this commercial arrangement amounts to State Aid.

Under the Localism Act 2011 the Council can make loans this is the new “general power of competence” it gives the Council the “power to do anything that individual generally may do “.

On the second question of whether this commercial arrangement amounts to State Aid (both the loan and the grant) .This is slightly more complex question and requires some consideration of general principles of State Aid .The purpose of State Aid regulation is in place to control direct and indirect aid given by Member States of the European Union to companies, under Article 107 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. To determine if an action constitutes state aid, the following four criteria must apply:

1. It is granted by the State or through State resources;

2 It favours certain undertakings or production of certain goods;

3 It distorts or threatens to distort competition. 

4. It affects trade between Member States.

In the light of the above it is possible that the State Aid rules could apply to this transaction we then need to consider if we can rely upon any exemptions available. One such exemption the General Block Exemption Regulations (the GBER) may be available which will exempt the Council from the obligation to notify the commission. However to rely upon such an exemption the terms of loans the Council provides must fulfil of the following conditions

(a)The borrower is not in financial difficulty.

(b) The extent of the loan can be properly measured when it is granted.

(c) The loan does cover more than 80 % of the outstanding financial obligation.

(d) Market-oriented price is paid for the loan

If the Council wishes to ensure that the loan is given at a commercial rates, you should use the methodology set out by the Commission below:

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/state_aid/legislation/reference_rates.ht ml

In light of the above the loan can be granted on the basis of the authority and the above block exemption however the grant of £500,000 is slightly more problematic and further investigation into the State Aid rules and the possible exemption if any can be relied upon

9.3 Diversity and Equality

Implications verified by: Samson DeAlyn Telephone and email: Ext 2472 [email protected]

There are no adverse diversity implications arising from the recommendations, however, it will be important to ensure the review of cultural provision takes full account of Thurrock’s diverse communities and that the benefits of the Council’s support for High House Production Park continues to bring opportunity and benefits to those communities.

9.4 Other implications (where significant) – i.e. Section 17, Risk Assessment, Health Impact Assessment, Sustainability, IT, Environmental

None.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN PREPARING THIS REPORT (include their location and identify whether any are exempt or protected by copyright):

 None

APPENDICES TO THIS REPORT:

Appendix 1 – The Royal Opera House in Thurrock – 2012/13 Report

Report Author Contact Details:

Name: Steve Cox, Assistant Chief Executive Telephone: 01375 652280 E-mail: [email protected]

Appendix 1

THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE IN THURROCK - 2012/13 REPORT 24 January 2013

This report outlines the programme of work being undertaken by the Royal Opera House within Thurrock between April 2012 and March 2013 and lists how people living and working within the borough have benefitted.

During the current funding year there will be approximately 8,500 attendances by people who live and/or work within the Thurrock borough. We are working with 28 different Thurrock schools and colleges (including special schools and the Pupil Referral Unit), the Catch 22 family intervention project, Thurrock Music Hub and the National Skills Academy.

Almost £600,000 will have been spent on activity with Thurrock residents across the programme during this funding year. Our work has been underpinned by an annual grant of £150,000 from Thurrock Borough Council which the Royal Opera House has matched from its annual grant from Arts Council England and, where possible, from the revenue it generates through performances and other core activity (Box Office, merchandising etc). We also continue to lever additional external investment in Thurrock: funders during 2012/13 include the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, the Band Trust, the Edmond J Safra Foundation and the EU’s Interreg Fund.

Leading and supporting cultural learning in education settings

A wide ranging programme of work within schools aims to reach children who might not ordinarily access the arts through their families and to maximise the learning potential presented by the ROH’s presence in Thurrock. Intended outcomes include:  children and young people becoming inspired and being enabled to develop creative skills;  increased confidence and performance across the curriculum;  raised academic and career aspirations.

Activity Thurrock Borough participation within funding year Hot House creative workshops 446 pupils from: Almost 650 young people from Thurrock schools,  Church of England colleges and community groups contributed to the Primary sets and costumes for ‘Hot House’, a new production  Herringham Primary performed by young people alongside leading  Gateway Academy professionals on the main stage at Covent Garden in  Somers Heath Primary July. During the funding period we held weekly  Gable Hall School Saturday workshops at South College for the  Purfleet Primary local community plus in-school creative workshops  Lansdown Primary School exploring textiles, costumes and props.  Ockendon Academy  Tudor Court Primary School  Grays Convent School  Clays Primary School  William Edwards School  Hordon-on-the-Hill Church of England Primary  St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary

Estimated 210 community 

participants

Production workshop tours and workshops Projected 490 pupils and The ROH’s curriculum-based tours and creative teachers from 17-18 Thurrock workshops at its Production Workshop at High primary and secondary schools House Production Park continue to prove popular. Each five hour visit incorporates a tour of the building, use of innovative 3D digital learning resources and a practical workshop about set design, scenic painting, prop making, model making or lighting.

Royal Ballet demonstrations and workshops 523 pupils and their teachers In Autumn 2012, the ROH extended its long- from: running Chance to Dance programme into  Stifford Clays Primary Thurrock. Members of The Royal Ballet provide an  Shaw Primary interactive demonstration within schools, following  Purfleet Primary which Year 3 pupils take part in dance workshops  St Thomas of Canterbury focussing on creative expression. Pupils were also Catholic Primary invited to observe a ballet rehearsal at Covent  Thameside Junior School Garden. Children identified as having exceptional  Orsett Church of England potential were invited to attend Chance to Dance Primary ballet classes (see below), whilst Dance Dynamic  Herringham Primary teacher training (also below) is enabling the schools  Woodside Primary to maximise long-term learning for all the pupils.

In-school and community singing workshops 548 students from Two hour workshops within secondary schools  St Clare’s provided a taster of group singing and vocal  Gateway Academy technique for secondary school pupils as a  Ormiston Park precursor to signing up for the RM19, the new ROH  Gray’s Convent Thurrock Community Youth Chorus (see below). Young people were also able to sign up for 77 young people at workshops additional community workshops. Workshops were in the wider community led by Dominic Peckham, Artistic Director of RM19 and a member of the Royal Opera Chorus. We anticipate working with a further 340 young people before the end of March

Creative projects resulting from teacher CPD Minimum 1,650 pupils per See below annum reached via teachers

Schools Matinees at Covent Garden 146 pupils and their teachers The ROH continues to encourage Thurrock schools to with a further 30 expected attend its popular schools matinees, for which tickets before the end of the Season are priced at just £7.50.

Upskilling teachers

Continuing professional development (CPD) equips teachers with confidence and practical skills so that they can, in turn, inspire young people through the arts and enhance their learning. Intended outcomes include:  a more creative and cross-curricular approach to teaching within Thurrock schools;  teachers being more confident and able to apply their own creativity and make connections with the arts in support of wider learning;  increase in teacher motivation, recruitment and retention.

Activity Thurrock Borough participation within funding year Creative Teachers The first cohort included 5 ROH is extending this long-established creative CPD teachers from: model within the Thames Gateway across two  Warren Primary School years. In April, the first cohort of teachers  St Clare’s Secondary completed their training; they are now leading their  Corringham Primary pupils in creating their own school operas, supported by in-school workshops. The second The second cohort includes 3 cohort begin the programme at the end of January teachers from with two days CPD covering devising stories and  Giffards Primary libretto writing; drama & directing; composition and singing; set, costume and lighting design; a further three days will be delivered in March and one in April. Independent evaluation is being carried out.

Voices of the Future Projected 18-24 primary and ROH is in the middle of a three year programme to secondary teachers develop ‘singing schools’ within the Thames Gateway in which teachers champion singing as an everyday activity and have the confidence and skills to teach and inspire pupils and their teaching colleagues through singing. The programme targets teachers working with years 5-8 because this the point at which many young people typically stop singing and in order to contribute to effective transition. Recruitment for the second cohort of participating teachers has focussed on Thurrock schools; these teachers will begin their five-term programme with an INSET day before the end of March.

Dance Dynamic 8 teachers from: During the last funding year we successfully  Stifford Clays Primary extended this INSET programme for primary and  Shaw Primary secondary students into Thurrock. In January and  Purfleet Primary February 2013 we will repeat the two-day INSET  St Thomas of Canterbury session, which focuses on enabling teachers to Catholic Primary empower their students to lead and develop their  Thameside Junior School own creative dance. Participating teachers go on to  Orsett Church of England deliver an in-school project which is shared at the Primary Royal Opera House in March.  Herringham Primary  Woodside Primary  Gateway Academy

Creative Connections 11 teachers and their pupils Having completed their training and delivered their from:  first in-school project, last year’s cohort of 5  Thurrock Pupil Support Thurrock teachers are now leading a second Services project. Another cohort will have undertaken a two-  St Thomas of Canterbury term training programme (6 days) and delivery of Catholic Primary their in-school projects by March. Participants  Stifford Clays Primary include Thurrock Pupil Support Services which has School led to a dialogue regarding support for the PRU.  Beacon Hill Academy (special school)  East Infants  Warren Primary  Shaw Primary School  Stifford Clays Infants and Nursery  Dilkes Primary  Deneholm Primary  Grays Covent

Fanfare INSET evening 4 teachers from The ROH held an INSET evening for teachers to  Grays Convent High School introduce them to its Fanfare composition  Gabel Hall School competition and ways of using creative composition in the classroom. The competition invites young 2 peripatetic music teachers people are submit fanfares and the winning entries are recorded by the ROH Orchestra and used to introduce performances.

Royal Opera House Bridge

Having previously successfully delivered Creative Partnerships in Thurrock, the Royal Opera House has been appointed as the Arts Council England Bridge Organisation for Thurrock as well as Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Hertfordshire, Essex, Southend, Dartford, Gravesham, Swale and Medway.

Since April we have established a Bridge team, researched and agreed a plan to support and build cultural provision across specific parts of the East/South East, and began a programme of work to connect children, young people, schools and communities with art and culture. In Thurrock, this is deepening our contribution to cultural regeneration.

The Bridge programme is separately funded by Arts Council England; the budget is not included in the investment listed in the introduction to this report.

Supporting young people with exceptional potential in dance and music

We are working with schools, colleges and other agencies (e.g. Music Hubs) to identify young people with talent and aptitude, regardless of their previous experience with an artform, and to enable them to reach their full potential. Outcomes include:  developed skills in music and dance;  raised confidence and support from other family members;  raised career aspirations.

Activity Thurrock Borough participation within funding year Chance to Dance classes 29 primary school One of the objectives of the Chance to Dance children programme (see above) is to identify primary schools pupils who have exceptional but as-yet unrealised potential as dancers. In January 2013 our first Thurrock cohort began fully subsidised classes in January. They will continue these classes for four years and their families are being invited to a special family day and other activities to encourage their support for the children.

Orchestra day 18 musicians aged 12-18 On 29 October, young musicians from Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Thurrock who are all aged 25 friends and family of between 12 and 18 came together in Thurrock for a young musicians day of coaching by members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and local music service professionals, also including a demonstration from Royal Ballet dancers. The day culminated in a performance for friends and family.

Youth Opera Company 3 pupils from Thurrock The ROH’s Youth Opera Company is a diverse 50-strong group of talented 9-13 year-olds from London and the South East. The group has performed in Royal Opera productions and independently. The ROH is drawing on its relationships with Thurrock schools to recruit talented young performers to the group.

Vocational training in production theatre

As the world’s leading centre for theatre-craft, High House Production Park has enormous potential to inspire young people in Thurrock about a wide range of careers. The ROH’s state of the art scenery construction workshop incorporates scenic painting, metalwork and carpentry facilities, as well as an integral viewing gallery and learning space and is adjacent to the National Skills Academy’s new Backstage Centre. Across the broader organisation, a diverse range of skills and practices includes lighting, sound, costume, make-up and wigs, as well as administration, communications and finance.

Vocational training forms a central part of our work in Thurrock, with outcomes including:  increased understanding of the wide range of career opportunities within the arts, with signposting to relevant training opportunities;  raised career aspirations;  skills development amongst children with exceptional potential in music and dance, regardless of family income;  positioning of High House Production Park as attractive location for SMEs.

Activity Thurrock Borough participation within funding year Apprenticeships Four Thurrock residents The ROH is currently running eight formal apprenticeships, of which four (scenic carpentry, scenic metalwork, scenic painting, and education tours and events) are based its Workshop in High House Production Park. We actively recruit Thurrock residents via local press and careers fairs.

Work placements Projected 15 placements The ROH’s ‘First Stage’ work experience programme undertaken by Thurrock provides tailored opportunities for those wishing to residents. explore career opportunities backstage. So far during this funding year, 27 placements have been offered in Thurrock and, from September 2012, lunch and travel expenses have been offered. The ROH’s Work Experience Manager attends various local careers fairs and works closely with the Education department to promote opportunities. Volunteering programme 31 people who live, work Our 31 local volunteers undertake a variety of duties and/or study in Thurrock ranging from supporting tours to stewarding events (including 29 residents) to office administration. All volunteers take part in an induction session and their involvement is carefully tailored to their skills, interests and vocational training needs. We will launch a Young Volunteer programme in March.

Operate careers day 16 students from South Essex South Essex College took part in this event for College National Skills Academy feeder colleges at the Royal Opera House on 15 November. Students took part in tailored workshops with industry professionals focussed on make up, sound, lighting workshops, stage management or event management, as well as observing a Royal Ballet rehearsal.

Design challenge 10 students from South Essex The 2011/12 Design Challenge offered National Skills College Academy Founder Colleges across the country the opportunity to test and develop their skills under the eye of acclaimed Director David McVicar and Olympic Closing Ceremony designer Es Devlin. South Essex students entered in the marketing and set design categories.

Photography Competition 20 students from Palmers Photography students from Palmers College College participated in competition inspired by an exhibition by acclaimed photographer Clive Barda at High House Production Park (see below). The winner and her two tutors spend a day at Covent Garden with the internationally acclaimed photographer.

Enriching the community - making Thurrock a great place to live

The ROH is playing a leading role in establishing a lively cultural programme that brings people together and enriches lives across the borough. Outcomes include:  residents feeling inspired and positive about their local community and proud of its heritage leading to an increased sense of self-worth and wellbeing;  High House Production Park becoming a popular and inspirational visitor attraction hosting a vibrant, high quality cultural programme;  the values of excellence and quality being associated with High House Production Park and Thurrock.

Activity Thurrock Borough participation within funding year Workshop Tours 58 Thurrock residents with a In September the ROH began running public tours of further 60 expected before the its Production Workshop at High House Production end of March. Park. Tickets are affordably priced at £5-7.50. Several additional bespoke tours have been developed: a 14 residents and their carers shorter tactile tour for people in supported living (as from Sunnyside supported the first stage in a longer-term programme with this living centre. group); and a tour designed to inspire 14-16 year olds from the Gateway Connect project. 20 students from the Gateway Connect project. ROH Thurrock Community Chorus 100 Thurrock residents plus a Based in Thurrock and filled by Thurrock residents, the further 11 members who work Chorus meets on Monday evenings during term-time and/or study in Thurrock. and performs regularly in Thurrock and Covent Garden (see below). A men-only recruitment workshop was 20 men at the recruitment held at High House Production Park in January with workshop help from local organisations such as Thurrock rugby club. RM19 Youth Chorus 25 signed up with a further 25 Due to the popularity of the Community Chorus expected by the end of March amongst people of all ages, a Youth Chorus was formed in September. Recruitment workshops are being held to encourage participation amongst young people who might not normally consider singing as a leisure pursuit and the group gave its public performance on 9 December.

Olympic Torch Relay A high proportion of the ROH coordinated a programme of outdoor estimated 25,000 local entertainment on 9 July including ROH Thurrock attendees Community Chorus, Tilbury Brass Band, Golden Voices and Thurrock Youth Orchestra.

Public performances Estimated audience of 1,025 In May ROH established the Fused Choral Festival which consisted of a day of masterclasses at London Cruise Terminal in May, culminating in a performance by the six participating choirs. The NSA opened in October with a joint concert by the Royal Opera House and ROH Thurrock Community Chorus and was also the venue for a Christmas Concert on 8 December featuring ROH Thurrock Community Chorus, RM19, Spectrum Brass Band and Ormiston Academy Glee Club. 

Sounding Out family workshops 84 young people and Two days of public family workshops were held at parents/carers High House Production Park during April 2012 including dance, puppetry, working with words and music. A nominal charge (less than £5) was made to ensure use of pre-booked tickets.

Orsett show creative project and exhibition 148 workshop participants Thurrock residents came together to create a unique aged 12 upwards installation for the August Orsett show encompassing digital art, sound and artworks and inspired by Royal 1,740 exhibition visitors Opera House artefacts.

Exposure exhibition 150 visiting VIPs and 336 local In October, ROH presented ‘Exposure!’ a week-long residents free exhibition of photos by world-renowned classical music photographer Clive Barda at High House Production Park.

BP Big Summer Screen 404 local residents The popular production La boheme was relayed to High House Production Park as part of the nationwide BP Big Summer Screens programme.

Family Performances at Covent Garden 158 young people and their Thurrock residents are encouraged to visit Covent families Garden for ‘Welcome Performances’ - dedicated performances for new audiences, complemented by foyer activities, for which tickets are priced at £5-£20.

Interreg bid Participation to begin in Working with partners in Thurrock and Northern 2013/14 France, ROH successfully bid for £70,000 from the EU’s Interreg Fund. ROH will match this with a further £70,000 and the funds will be used to deliver a programme of cultural activity over the next three years.

‘Destination Thurrock’ n/a The ROH continues to develop High House Production Park and Thurrock’s role as an internationally recognised centre of excellence in culture and creativity. Visitors welcomed to the Park during this period have include The Duke of Kent, guests from cultural organisations in Abu Dhabi and Rio de Janiero and MPs and an estimated 1,200 people are taking public tours each year.

Infrastructure

The ROH’s investment is widely supported across the organisation with a high number of artistic, production and administrative staff participating across the year. The programme is run and delivered from a dedicated office at High House Production Park which houses an engagement team of five and a half staff as well as the Royal Opera House Bridge team.