THE BEST OF BROMLEY

APPENDIX A THE BEST OF BROMLEY BROMLEY’S CULTURAL STRATEGY 2007-2012 UPDATED DRAFT 1/11/06 1 CONTENTS SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION The Cultural Strategy 2007 –2012 What is Culture? Why Culture? Benefits of Cultural Activities Why have a Cultural Strategy? Links with other strategies 3 3 4 4 5 6 SECTION 2 - THE BOROUGH Bromley‟s people Cultural Influences: Geography, economics, history and heritage 7 7 8 SECTION 3 - CULTURE IN BROMLEY The Arts Libraries, Museums and Heritage Parks and Countryside Play and Childcare Cultural Map of the Borough 9 9 10 10 10 10-11 SECTION 4 - STRATEGY THEMES AND KEY AIMS Aim / vision 12 12 SECTION 5 - IMPLEMENTATION AND NEXT STEPS 20 SECTION 6 - GLOSSARY 22 SECTION 7 - FURTHER INFORMATION AND CONTACTS 22 Page 2 of 22 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Culture in Bromley provides an essential ingredient to enrich our lives – it helps define Bromley in terms of its character, history, heritage, and breadth of opportunities. Bromley‟s culture includes people‟s personal interests, activities, entertainment, and also elements which affect the whole community such as the need for a pleasant and clean environment. The London Borough of Bromley has produced this Cultural Strategy in order to clearly set out the value of cultural activities, the place of culture within the Borough, and the future priorities for the full range of cultural services. The Strategy helps to celebrate the broad range of activities, events, facilities and organisations that contribute to culture in Bromley. It aims to build on and improve still further the cultural life of the Borough, and will form an essential part of our drive to Build a Better Bromley: helping to provide better services, educate our communities and achieve a higher quality of life for all Bromley residents. The Cultural Strategy 2007 – 2012 The Council defines its vision and priorities for improving the Borough within “Building a Better Bromley” which states that the Councils role is „helping to maximise the opportunities that all residents have to lead fulfilling and independent lives. There are six key themes within Building A Better Bromley: Safer Communities: Maintaining quality local communities, addressing anti-social behaviour, ensuring people feel safe, and enhancing the quality of life. A Quality Environment: Support communities to take ownership of their local environment, maintain and enhance leisure and culture‟s facilities and services, enable opportunity and access to services and promote initiatives to improve the community‟s health. Vibrant Thriving Town Centres: Develop initiatives to support town centres where people feel safe to shop and enjoy themselves. Supporting Independence, Especially in Older People: Provide quality services enabling vulnerable groups to live confidently and independently. All Children and Young People have Opportunities to Achieve their Potential: Support and connect with young people so that they all have positive life chances and every opportunity to become responsible citizens. An Excellent Council: Implement a programme of continuous improvement to deliver residents service priorities, utilising external assessments. Page 3 of 22 Building A Better Bromley is updated and refined annually following public consultation, and future years priorities are set and publicised. The Community Plan, the long-term strategy for the Local Strategic Partnership, has also been refined to reflect these priorities. This Cultural Strategy complements the strategic framework in Bromley. The aim of the strategy is: To establish Bromley at the forefront of cultural provision in the country, where everyone living, working and visiting Bromley is encouraged to participate, enjoy, and celebrate all forms of cultural activity, contributing to the quality of life and the prosperity of the Borough. The Strategy updates the first Cultural Strategy for Bromley, “More out of Life”, which was published in 2001, and contained much information which remains relevant today. However, this document looks forward a further five years to 2012 and the staging of the 2012 London Olympic Games, which will contribute and provide opportunities for enhancing culture in Bromley. What is Culture? There are various definitions of culture but for this Strategy its is best described as „a way of life‟ and a „sense of place‟. Culture is an overarching term, and encompasses a wide range of activities and specialities that combine to produce a creative community. Culture includes:         Leisure, sport, and leisure, play and physical activity Play and childcare Parks and open spaces Museums, heritage and archives Libraries, literature and information Festivals and events Performing, media, visual and community arts Creative industries For Bromley, culture is everything that contributes to people quality of life:      our built and natural environment the combination of pursuits, activities, beliefs and knowledge within the Borough our history and heritage, individual and shared memories of communities a sense of belonging and identity The strength of our communities. Why Culture? - Benefits of Cultural Activities “… cultural services can be a powerful tool to engage all sections of the community and break down barriers between them. People take part in leisure and cultural activities through choice. Marginalised groups are often more willing to engage with such activities than other government funded activities. Physical activity and sport can be used as a means of bringing people together from different communities to share positive experiences and gain greater understanding of each other‟s ways of life.” Community Cohesion – an action guide, Local Government Association 2004 Page 4 of 22 The value of cultural activities has been well documented by many agencies and research studies. Its contribution to building communities has most recently been brought together in a joint initiative from the national cultural agencies – a partnership between Arts Council England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Commission for Architecture Built Environment, English Heritage, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, and Sport England. This initiative, called “Where we live” (www.wherewelive.co.uk) describes the “amazing potential” of culture, and states that:     people value opportunities to take part in cultural activities culture is a focal point for communities it makes people healthy and happy it creates local prosperity Many other reports and studies have been published which state and define the value of culture for health and well-being, economic prosperity, safer communities, and a range of other agendas. Our emerging Sport and Physical Activity Strategy “Moving Bromley Forward” details the benefits of sport as part of the cultural offer in Bromley. Plans for Parks, the Arts, and Libraries also recognise the value of these services in building communities, supporting education, and improving community safety. Why have a Cultural Strategy? This Strategy sets the direction for Bromley‟s cultural services. It is an umbrella strategic plan encompassing the main priorities from the Councils individual service and organisation plans. The Strategy also recognises that to successfully develop cultural services across the Borough, the Council must be a catalyst for facilitating developments within a range of new and changing partnerships and across different arenas. The Strategy therefore also includes some outcomes that the Council will aspire to deliver though developing new relationships, particularly with the private sector. The Strategy and the delivery of the main aims and objectives (as set out in section 4 of this document) will have a number of benefits for the community and organisations in the public, voluntary and private sector in Bromley. Some of the key reasons for producing this Cultural Strategy are set out below: Benefits of the Cultural Strategy For the public….  enables greater access to cultural activities through the creation of an interactive Borough Cultural Map  provides information about the work of the Council and other agencies  contributes to a sense of pride and belonging  enables local people to comment on and contribute to services  promotes community participation and cohesion  allows people to progress and improve their skills, encourages lifelong learning and participation in cultural activities For voluntary clubs and organisations…..  helps to encourage partnership working and supports voluntary organisations       supports the improvement of facilities and local venues helps communication between the voluntary and statutory sector identifies council priorities to help the voluntary sector shows gaps in provision and what the voluntary sector can do to help helps to focus community views Supports applications for external funding Page 5 of 22 For other agencies……(police, Health, Sport England, Arts Council, Countryside Agency...etc)  shows the priorities of the Council  provides information on cultural activities and policies  encourages partnership working and better communication  the implementation of the strategy will promote the sharing of information and data, and a promote forums for joint working For Bromley Council…….  sets the direction and policy framework for cultural services  clearly sets out the Councils priorities which will support any future funding applications  provides a framework for culture within the developing Local Area Agreement  improves the profile of cultural services  demonstrates the impact of culture on achieving the wider community objectives of the Council  harnesses the links with other important agendas and strategies. Links with other strategies This Cultural Strategy is one of a number of plans and strategies which affect how people live in Bromley. The illustration below shows the links between Bromley‟s Cultural Strategy and the range of other national, regional and local plans and strategies. Strategies of National and Regional Agencies e.g. Department of Culture, Media and Sport; Sport England; Arts Council; Greater London Authority; London Arts Plans; Museums, Libraries and Archives Council      Local Strategic Partnership Community Plan and Local Area Agreement Sets out long term vision for Borough and outcomes to be achieved Building a Better Bromley: London Borough of Bromley Performance Plan Sets corporate objectives and medium term strategy Reports on performance Sets targets and identifies key actions Identifies resources Bromley’s Cultural Strategy Portfolio Plans relating to culture  Environment and Leisure  Children and Young People  Local Economy o Sets out member responsibilities o Identifies priorities and outcomes o Identifies specific initiatives Other Statutory and nonstatutory Plans – for example  Local Development Framework and Area Action Plans  Community Safety Strategy  Local Transport Plan Libraries Strategy Local and service based plans Arts Strategy Sports Strategy Parks Strategy Annual reports and plans for Churchill Theatre, Bromley Arts Council, Bromley Mytime Service Delivery Plan, Friends of Parks schemes etc Page 6 of 22 SECTION 2 BROMLEY – THE BOROUGH Bromley’s people An understanding of the demographic profile of the Borough is essential in order to carefully plan for the future of cultural services. This section analyses the make up of the population and its likely impact on cultural priorities. Bromley‟s population is growing rapidly from the 291,530 calculated at the 2001 census. The most recent population figures show Bromley to have 298,300 residents. (Source: GLA 2005 Round Interim Ward Population Projections). Our population is expected to increase to 302,900 in 2011 and to 304,100 in 2016. (Source: GLA 2005 Round Interim Ward Population Projections). This represents an average rise of 1% per year. The population is also ageing, and Bromley has the largest number of older people (over 60) of any London Borough – 21% of the population are over 60. One third of older people live on their own, widows and widowers constitute over 8% of the population and 14.1% of residents are retired. As a Borough we have the lowest number of residents (as part of London South) from ethnic minority communities at 13.5% (as compared to 25% for London South and 29% across London) [Source: Learning and Skills Council Assessment for Bromley 2005]. These and other features of Bromley‟s population, and the impact this has on the cultural strategy, are shown in the table below: Population characteristic Growing and ageing population Impact on future cultural priorities Need to increase the number of cultural events and activities, particularly for older people, and provide alternatives for the less physically active in a safe and easily accessible environment Work with colleges schools and partner agencies, to engage young people in cultural activities, encouraging high achievers to stay in the Borough and contribute to the cultural industries Population is perhaps healthier than average: Potential to build on this and provide further sports, exercise and physical activity opportunities There is potential for building on the possible high level of exercise and participation – also to use the power of the arts, sport and use of open spaces as reasons for further quality of life in old age The levels of affluence are varied which means that there is a need to address access issues within some Wards through reducing the barriers to participation in cultural events.. Health, education, mobility, and economic inequalities must be considered when planning for improvements and considering pricing policies and programming. Higher educational achievement than national average Estimated numbers of adults who smoke, binge drink or are obese are low compared to England The average life expectancy is higher than average for England. Fewer people die of smoking related illnesses, or heart disease and stroke, or from cancers Ten wards in Bromley are amongst the most affluent in the country and one is among the most deprived. Page 7 of 22 Cultural Influences: Geography, history, economics, history and heritage Bromley‟s culture is shaped by its location, the profile of its population, its economic activity and the history of the Borough. The table below summarises these key influences and how they affect the provision of cultural services. Characteristic/ cultural influence Location and transport routes The main routes through the borough are the A21 running north-south, the A232 to the south and the A20 to the north – all leading to the south east corner of the M25. Good rail links to London take only 16 minutes, and there are 26 rail stations in the borough. Bromley South also provides a regular service to Dover, (including Ashford for Eurostar passenger access). Identity and democracy As a London Borough and unitary authority, all local services are provided by the Council, giving local people a strong sense of identity with the Borough. It is the main driver of Cultural Services delivered through partnership working across a number of agencies. Although the majority of the Borough is prosperous, there are some deprived areas in the north which would not identify as closely with Bromley. Area Bromley has more than 35 square miles of protected countryside, parks and woodlands, yet the West End of London is less than twelve miles away. It covers around 65 square miles, stretching from the highly urbanised areas of Anerley, Penge and Crystal Palace in the northwest to the more rural areas of Cudham, Downe and Biggin Hill in the southeast. History and heritage The borough has been home to important historical individuals such as H.G. Wells, exiled French Emperor Napoleon III, and Charles Darwin whose home in Down Village has now been submitted for World Heritage Site status in 2007. Bromley has a very strong architectural heritage which is reflected in the town centre and across the Borough. There are some key Victorian and Edwardian buildings and a number of listed, locally listed, significant buildings. A large part of the town centre has been designated as a Conservation Area. There are some key attractions in the Borough, including Crystal Palace Park and Biggin Hill Airport. Effect on culture Bromley‟s proximity to London results in it sometimes being seen as a place to “pass through” on the way to London rather than a cultural centre in itself. The provision of quality cultural services in London means that providers in Bromley need to achieve a high quality to encourage people to use alternative local services. The strength of Bromley town centre as a cultural centre provides great potential to expand services. Most of the population identify with the town centre as their local centre. Areas closer to London, such as Crystal Palace and Anerley, do not identify as strongly with Bromley, and here there is potential for more effective community leadership and involvement in activities. The contrast between town and countryside results in it being sometimes difficult to provide services equitably and which are accessible for all residents. Services may need to be promoted and priced differently to serve different communities. Bromley has the potential to benefit economically from tourism and it will be important to increase public awareness of the Borough‟s history. In order to achieve this we will work collaboratively with regional and south London partners, and local agencies. – Delete above paragraph Page 8 of 22 SECTION 3: CULTURE IN BROMLEY Bromley is home to many venues and organisations which contribute to the cultural scene in the Borough. The main highlights of our Cultural offer include: Sport and Physical Recreation: There are four major public leisure centres – Walnuts Leisure Centre, Orpington; West Wickham Pools; The Spa at Beckenham; The Pavilion, Bromley. All operated by Bromley Mytime Leisure Trust Bromley MyTime also run and manage five dual use Sports Centres (Darwin - Biggin Hill, Langley Park - Beckenham, The Priory and Darrick Wood – Orpington); the High Elms and Bromley Golf Courses; Bromley Tennis Centre; Bromley, Beckenham and Orpington Civic Halls; Adventure Kingdom; Crystal Palace One O‟clock Club; and Breakfast and After School Clubs. The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, operated by Sport England, containing elite athletics, swimming, diving and sports facilities and open to the community Norman Park Athletic Track, recently upgraded to eight lanes and home to the successful Bromley and Blackheath Harriers Athletics Club who are hoping to have athletes competing at the 2012 Games. The Park Langley Tennis centre with squash, badminton and gym facilities. The Eric Liddle dual use Sports Centre at Eltham College with swimming pool, dance and fitness facilities. Bromley Mytime provide a sports development service that works across agencies and partners to increase opportunities for participation and access, build physical activity levels in the community, and support club volunteer and talent development. The Council facilitates a Sports Consultative Panel of Arts providers and groups which seeks to develop arts opportunities and disseminate best practice. The Arts: The Churchill Theatre, in Bromley town centre, is operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group which provides a full programme of high quality performing arts and in house productions, along with a successful education and outreach department. Churchill Theatre Productions provides the launch pad for major national tours and West End shows. Ripley Arts Centre, operated by Bromley Arts Council, is an organisation representing amateur arts organisations throughout the Borough. The Centre has recently been refurbished and contains studio and exhibition space, a music room and meeting rooms. The Studio in Beckenham – this has recently changed its use from an arts and media centre and is now operated by the Herbert Justice Academy, a private theatre school. Crystal Palace Park, a major site for outdoor events and concerts. Town and Community Halls such as Anerley Town Hall, providing venues for local amateur dance, theatre, and arts groups. Page 9 of 22 The Little Theatre in Bromley North, founded in 1938 and now run by a limited company offering a cross section of plays to members. Bromley Youth Music Trust provides instrumental and vocal education through individual and group tuition including working with children with disabilities and special needs, and perform regularly at venues within the borough. Bromley Mytime Arts Development Team works with other arts providers to plan and development of arts initiatives, commissioned projects, workshops, and to advise to voluntary groups, and support under developed art forms. They also work closely with the South London Arts Partnership. The Council facilitates the Arts consultative Panel made up of Arts organisations and groups that work to promote and develop arts activities within the Borough. Libraries, Museums and Heritage: 15 Libraries providing a range of services that were ranked third of all London Boroughs in 2003 MORI survey – these libraries are key access points to Council services and those of partner agencies. Local studies and archives service within the Central Library, preserving local history collections. Bromley Museum at the Priory in Orpington, with a large collection of archaeological and other items and temporary displays and events at schools, Ripley Arts Centre, and other venues. Parks and Countryside: There are 152 parks and green spaces providing a diverse range of facilities for informal and structured recreation, including sports pitches and bowling greens, which are operated under an innovative and evolving delegated management scheme. Crystal Palace Park – a 200 acre Grade 2 listed landscape containing an award winning concert platform There is 30 square miles of countryside, made up of a mixture of woodland, farms, heath and common land supported by a network of footpaths and promoted through a programme of walks and talks delivered in partnership with ENBRO. There are also 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and 2 Local Nature Reserves managed by the Council. There are a number of local groups and forums that help support the development, maintenance and use of the Boroughs green spaces including an expanding network of Friends of Parks groups, whose numbers currently total 17, the Countryside Consultative Panel. Across the Borough there are 52 allotment sites providing over 3,000 plots for community use. The sites are all locally managed and support sustainable local food production and contribute to healthy lifestyles. They also provide a wider network for developing friendships and are supported through the Allotments and Leisure Gardens Consultative Panel. Page 10 of 22 Play and Childcare: Bromley‟s Children and Young Peoples Plan, Every Child Matters, provides a framework to deliver the 5 outcomes key to the development and well being in childhood and in later life: Being healthy; Staying safe, Enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution; and achieving and economic well being. The Council principally through the Early Years and Childcare Team and Partnership, links and works across agencies, schools, and the Primary Care Trust to deliver the outcomes of the Plan. A Cultural Map The cultural provision as outlined above represents only some of the key facilities and organisations that deliver cultural activities within the Borough. A key outcome from this Strategy is to develop a Cultural Map, which will enable details to provided across a broader range of organisations, partners and facilities that contribute so much to the cultural richness of the Borough. This will include the many small groups and organisations, and also private sector providers which play such a major role in delivering cultural services and opportunities. The Cultural Map will also assist the Council to better scope the levels of provision across the Borough, and will provide opportunities for consultation and feedback which will inform future plans and developments. The Cultural Map is planned to operate as an interactive internet service which provides an opportunity to people to view the range of venues, organisations and events within the Borough, and for residents to provide feedback on their needs for future Cultural developments and priorities. (see www.referencetoculturalmap for details). Cultural Map of the Borough (Example type of map for the draft taken from Bromley MyTime website) Page 11 of 22 SECTION 4: STRATEGY THEMES AND KEY AIMS Aim / vision The aim of the strategy is: To establish Bromley at the forefront of cultural provision in the country, where everyone living, working and visiting Bromley is encouraged to participate, enjoy, and celebrate all forms of cultural activity, contributing to the quality of life and prosperity of the Borough. We have identified four key objectives for culture in Bromley over the next five years 1) Maximise the impact of cultural activities, ensuring that the contribution of culture is recognised and supported in delivering many of the Community Plan and Local Area Agreement targets and outcomes. Protect and enhance the built infrastructure, ensuring that the right facilities are provided in the right place to serve the arts, sports, education and leisure needs of people in Bromley. Promote Bromley’s image and identity through a wide range of cultural events and activities and through supporting the full range of voluntary, statutory and private providers of cultural services. Provide accessible services which are available to the whole Borough including the more deprived areas, and which are of a high standard in terms of quality venues and staff. 2) 3) 4) The key actions of the strategy are drawn together from the existing plans and strategies for sport, the arts, libraries, parks, countryside, and museums and heritage. These key actions are shown in the chart overleaf and organised under the six 6 themes of Building a Better Bromley: Safer Communities Quality Environment Vibrant Thriving Town Centres Supporting Independence Children and Young People Excellent Council The aim, objectives and key actions of this cultural strategy also help to meet two of the high level outcomes in the Outcomes Framework for the Local Area Agreement 2007-2010: Our Vision is that Bromley will be a place where: Bromley's environment retains the characteristics that make it an attractive place to live green, open spaces, access to work, leisure and services and lower density developments. There are a wide range of leisure opportunities for residents‟ enjoyment. The opportunities are in accessible locations and also make major contributions to the delivery of other key themes. Local Area Agreement High Level Outcomes These outcomes reflect the aim and spirit of this cultural strategy, and the actions identified overleaf will assist the process of achieving them. Page 12 of 22 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games The lead up and staging of the Olympics London in 2012 will create many opportunities to celebrate the culture of Bromley, capturing through public events, music, exhibitions, shows and performances the spirit, passion and excitement of the Games. Many sports, arts, music and community organisations will be able to use the opportunities provided by the Games to promote their activities and attract new members, strengthening still further the impact of culture in enriching lives in Bromley. The Council has formed a Member Olympic Working Group to lead and co-ordinate Bromley‟s work on the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Group will work to ensure that Bromley derives the maximum benefit from the Games and their legacy. The Group will provide the strategic lead for the delivery of an Olympic Plan for Bromley, detailing the key desired outcomes to be achieved for the Borough, and how these will be communicated to the Boroughs residents and businesses. The Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide a fantastic opportunity for agencies and partners from culture, sport, leisure, children and young people, community safety, business and employment, volunteering, the voluntary sector, education, and tourism to work together on projects and also to work across South London through the Go South Go South London Olympic partnership. The 2012 Games also provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for Bromley to share its cultural heritage and develop new cultural links through the hosting of pre training camps for Olympic and Paralympic athletes from other competing nations Page 13 of 22 Action Plan The Council believes the services, facilities and activities that the Council provides will a massive contribution to creating a Better Bromley with a cultural life which people living, working, or visiting the Borough can be proud of. The Council recognises the enormous contribution that the private sector and many other organisations, which may currently not be directly involved with the Council, play in delivering cultural services. To enable the Council to promote working across the wider cultural community, the Action Plan below contains commitments drawn from a range of agreed plans and strategies, as well as some new aspirational targets, where the Council is seeking to develop new partnerships with organisations, particularly from the private sector, that historically the Council has not been involved with. MEASURED THROUGH …. KEY ACTIONS Ensure that the work of agencies delivering cultural activities Number of projects and initiatives that address the priorities within seeks to support the vision, aims and priorities of the Safer the Community Safety Strategy Bromley Partnership Consult on the options for a new cultural facility at Biggin Hill, Suitable public consultation undertaken to ensure the new incorporating leisure, sport, libraries, arts and community facilities development best meets the needs of local people. Increase level of patrols in parks and link to wider town centre and The number Friends Groups initiatives to address concerns over vandalism implemented and anti-social behaviour of initiatives successfully developed and SAFER BROMLEY Develop innovative community arts, sports and cultural activities The take up on individual projects, the value of the benefits for young people aged 11-19 years to maximise the potential of provided to young people, and the sustainability of the projects young people, promote good citizenship; or divert people away from any nuisance or anti-social behaviour Support a programme of special events provided by a variety of The number of activities and numbers of young people involved in agencies, that are targeted at „hard to reach‟, excluded or programmes plus qualitative evaluation of the benefits the disengaged groups and teenagers, such as the pioneering programme had on those involved. outreach work delivered by the Churchill Theatre Page 14 of 22 KEY ACTIONS Build and open the new Bromley Common Park Re-landscape and reclaim St Paul‟s Cray Hill Country Park MEASURED THROUGH …. Park opened and a new Friends Group established in 2007 Improvements to the Park successfully undertaken in consultation with resident and stakeholder groups Establish the Environmental Education Centre at High Elms A sustainably built centre providing education, interpretation and (BEECHE) visitor facilities for schools and visitors QUALITY ENVIRONMENT Improve and enhance the Council‟s sports and leisure centre Delivery of improvements through the Investment Fund provided facilities to Bromley Mytime by the Council, the Council‟s maintenance and capital programmes, and through externally funded projects Assist community understanding of history and heritage through Meet the targets set in the Museum Development Plan relating to accessible and high quality museum and local studies service and education, access and numbers interpretation of the built environment Identify ways to make the Museums collections more accessible Meet the targets set in the Museum Development Plan relating to to the public and extend the outreach work of the Museum outreach and access throughout the Borough Increase vocational training at the Field Studies Centre and Number of training opportunities offered and the numbers of develop courses that contribute to infrastructure improvements people on courses across Council sites Page 15 of 22 KEY ACTIONS MEASURED THROUGH …. Seek to develop within the new Bromley Town Centre Plan a Delivery of the new Town Centre Plan which promotes and cultural quarter and civic square that supports a range of events supports the development of arts and cultural facilities and and activities and provides a focus for community participation activities VIBRANT THRIVING TOWN CENTRES Develop a Bromley Town Centre Arts and Culture event delivered Delivery of an annual event in the Town Centre through local groups that raises the profile of arts and culture and provides greater opportunities for participation Improve town centre parks as part of the Parks Strategy in Depth of consultation and partnership work undertaken and the consultation with Friends Groups and local stakeholders number of parks improved Implement the recommendations of the library review and Meet the targets contained in the emerging library strategy resulting strategy Expand and develop the links between the town centre managers Number and scope of projects and events that have been and key partners such as the Churchill Theatre and The Glades, delivered which have increased the level of cultural activity in the to deliver cultural activities and productions in the town centres Town Centres Seek to secure resources to further develop cultural facilities and Successful joint working between Council and other organisations activities for venues within the Town Centre to secure external funding Identify and facilitate opportunities and partnerships to develop Amount of new space created and new facilities developed artists‟ studio and life space, concert hall and exhibition space across the Borough Page 16 of 22 KEY ACTIONS MEASURED THROUGH …. Ensure that up-to-date information on cultural facilities and events The development of an interactive website and Cultural Map that and on groups and clubs that deliver cultural activities are provides details of Bromley‟s cultural offer provided by the available to Bromley residents Council, its partners, other agencies and the private sector Ensure that all new facilities are accessible to the disabled and The number of site conforming to DDA requirements continue to make improvements to existing facilities SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE Work in partnership with a broad range of agencies to maximise Number of new projects developed for vulnerable groups and the opportunities for participation in cultural activities for vulnerable number of people participating plus qualitative measures to groups research to identify the impact of the programme on people‟s lives Increase participation levels in sport and active physical recreation Active Peoples Survey by Sport England across our communities by 2% annually Utilise sport and physical activity to promote healthy lifestyles and Uptake on Active Lifestyles programmes address health inequalities within the Borough Support the Friends of Parks groups, seek to create new groups Growth and development of the Friends Group Network and develop the Friends Network which works to improve the quality and awareness of local parks Continue to extend and upgrade ICT services and the People‟s Meet targets identified in Libraries Strategy Network in all libraries providing free access to the internet Continue to provide and develop the Field Studies Centre Number of projects implemented and outcomes for programme assisting adults into work programmes participants Use the opportunities provided by the 2012 Olympic and Successful development and implementation of a Bromley paralympic games to celebrate Bromley‟s culture, and secure Olympic Plan maximum benefits for Bromley from the Games and their legacy Page 17 of 22 KEY ACTIONS MEASURED THROUGH …. Ensure that cultural services provide a positive contribution to the Number of joint projects delivered through successful working outcomes within Bromley‟s Every Child Matters, through joint across Council services working between Children and Young People Services, Environment & Leisure Services and Museums and Archives Continue the StART early years programme as detailed in Number of nurseries and early years settings involved in StART Bromley‟s Every Child Matters Project Implement the Libraries Strategy following its launch in late 2006 Strategy targets achieved CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Extend opportunities for learning through libraries by creating and Number of libraries containing study facilities and services which maintaining close links with the National Curriculum and offering meet identified standards quality homework and study support resources at all libraries Support literacy and reading for pleasure for children of all ages Successful meeting the targets within the programme through library activities and events and the delivery of the National Bookstart Programme Support Bromley Mytime and the Primary Care Trust to deliver a Number and health programmes developed and targets within the range of healthy programmes and awareness schemes for young schemes for take up and awareness achieved people Co-ordinate the results of consultation undertaken with young The effectiveness of the consultation has in informing the planning people across the agencies involved in planning and delivering and delivery of cultural services cultural services Develop the Looked After Children‟s Scheme at the Field Studies Take up on scheme and qualitative analysis of outcomes Centre Page 18 of 22 KEY ACTIONS MEASURED THROUGH …. Seek additional funding for cultural services through grants, Level of funding attracted and projects successfully completed private sector partnerships and sponsorship Obtain feedback from residents, customers, partners and Feedback obtained from the planned interactive website and community organisations on the impact of cultural services and Cultural Map. Collation of consultation and research undertaken the priorities for future service and improvements and by the Council and external partners developments EXCELLENT COUNCIL Undertake research to establish levels of satisfaction with cultural Performance Indicators for satisfaction levels from annual activities consultation undertaken by the Council Identify resources to extend opening hours in libraries to meet the Meet national standard for Libraries opening hours national standard Participate in Council-wide application for Investors In People Maximise the impact of cultural services through the inclusion of cultural outcomes within the Local Area Agreement IIP accreditation obtained Involvement of and delivery of cultural activities within projects identified for stretch targets Develop an Arts Strategy to co-ordinate and promote arts activity Production and implementation of strategy and events within the Borough, in partnership and through consultation with major arts providers in Bromley such as the Churchill Theatre and Bromley Arts Council Page 19 of 22 SECTION 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND NEXT STEPS The implementation of this strategy and Action Plan will be through the Councils specific service strategies and plans; and though the consultative panels for Arts, Sports, Allotments and the Countryside. The main strategies which will drive the implementation of the cultural strategy are: 1. The Councils Corporate Plans:    2.     Improvement and Efficiency Plan – building A Better Bromley Portfolio Plans Divisional Action Plans Individual Strategies Libraries Strategy (due autumn 2007) and Annual Divisional Action Plan Parks Strategy Bromley Sports and Physical Activity Strategy (2007-2012) Children and Young peoples Plan 3. Service Plans    Bromley Mytime Service Delivery Plan, Arts, Sports, and Play and Childcare Plans Annual Reports and Plans for Churchill Theatre Annual Reports and Plans for Bromley Arts Council The above Strategies and Plans will also serve as the basis for the monitoring and review of this Cultural Strategy. Partnerships, Communication and Consultation The Council will continue to promote the value of culture through all the work that it does, and central to this will be the need to work in partnership with a number of statutory, public, private, and voluntary and community organisations. We need to ensure that the contribution of cultural services is represented on other existing planning groups such as the Children and Young People‟s Strategic Partnership. In addition, the Council will consult regularly with community and residents to identify what needs to be done to improve services and the quality of life in the Borough. The successful implementation of this cultural strategy will be dependent on creating good lines of communication and representation on bodies and groups such as: National and Regional: The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council The Countryside Commission English Heritage Sport England and the Regional Sports Board The South London Arts Partnership and Arts Council England The South London Partnership The South London Sports and Physical Activity Partnership and the developing Community Sports and Physical Activity Networks. Page 20 of 22 Local Partnerships: The Bromley Local Strategic Partnership: influencing the contribution of culture with the Local Area Agreement The Children and Young People‟s Strategy Partnership The Lifelong Learning Partnership The Community Safety Partnership The Primary Care Trust Friends Groups and Residents Associations Bromley Mytime, Churchill Theatre, Bromley Arts Council and other delivery organisations Bromley Council for Voluntary Service Summary and conclusion This cultural strategy has highlighted the diversity and variety of cultural opportunities within Bromley. The Borough has much to offer in terms of history, events, facilities, activities, open spaces and community groups, which enhance and enrich the quality of life in Bromley. It is essential to build and grow this provision through new and innovative developments, ideas, and ways of working. Through this cultural strategy the Council is seeking to improve the range and quality of cultural services, and to promote the value of culture and its contribution to Bromley‟s „way of life‟ and „sense of place‟. Page 21 of 22 SECTION 6 GLOSSARY To be completed if necessary SECTION 7 – FURTHER INFORMATION AND CONTACTS Colin Brand Linda Simpson John Gledhill Sally Emblen Louise Milne LBB Head of Leisure and Culture LBB - Libraries & Lifelong Learning LBB – Leisure Client Unit LBB - Early Years & Childcare Bromley Mytime – Partnerships LBB – Parks Bromley MyTime – Arts Development Thelma Henry – administrator colin,brand@bromley.gov.uk 020 313 4107 linda.simpson@bromley.gov.uk 020 8461 7230 john.gledhill@bromley.gov.uk 020 8461 7527 sally.emblen@bromley.gov.uk 020 8464 9180 louise.milne@bromleymytime.org.uk 020 8323 1713 Patrick.phillips@bromley.gov.uk 020 8461 7527 020 8323 1719 www.bromleymytime.org 020 8464 5816 www.bromleyarts.com enquiries@bromleyarts.com Patrick Phillips Clare Haward Bromley Arts Council / Ripley Arts Centre Peter Mawson Pamela Smythe Derek Nicholls, Julia Potts Youth Music Trust – Music service Arts Adviser in Education dept Churchill Theatre www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 0208 8464 7131 e: juliapotts@theambassadors.com PRODUCED BY: CONTINUUM SPORT & LEISURE LTD Page 22 of 22