We challenge

We test the feasibility of new plans and projects which may include new activities, organisational structures and new or redeveloped buildings. We bring independent and robust evidence and insight to the table to challenge – or corroborate – assumptions.

Our practice includes a robust process of identifying and appraising alternative options which will meet specific objectives.

Assignments include those where market appraisals, consultation, modelling and benchmarking against comparators have established a firm evidence base for development:

• Walsall Council, where we are advising the Council on the need for a new performance venue in a post-pandemic world. While some other local authorities redeveloped cultural assets in response to recent time-limited Government funding schemes, Walsall has the opportunity to take stock of the recent, assured shifts in audience demands and innovations in performance venues. Our assessment of need looked at the impact of these changes and will inform modelling of what a future performance venue could be like. This will take into account wider social objectives as well as the economic, and focus on increasing creative engagement
• The Hawth, Crawley. Immediately prior to the first lockdown in 2020, BK delivered a report to Crawley Borough Council advising on its procurement options and available processes for The Hawth after a ten-year commercial contract was approaching completion. This included a review and report on the success of the existing operations, including programming, reach and impact on local residents.  During lockdown, BK then advised on a five-year extension to the existing contract for clear practical purposes due to the pandemic.  The Council has now entered into a new partnership with a third-party operator
• Bridgewater Hall, Manchester’s principal international concert hall. The existing commercial operating contract ended in 2024 and the charitable company responsible for overseeing the venue, Manchester Concert Hall Limited, engaged BK to support the development of the future vision and priorities for the Hall, as well as an appraisal of options for the business model. MCHL’s roles and responsibilities are to set the vision and priorities for the Bridgewater Hall; to contract a venue operator; to oversee and monitor the operating contract requirements, including the Learning and Engagement programme; to represent the interests of the Bridgewater Hall and to ensure that the future business model for the Bridgewater Hall is sustainable. BK undertook extensive research, consultation and options analysis in support of these obligations
• Stockton Globe, where we worked with Stockton Council to identify and assess options, firstly for the future viable use of this venue and then to assess options for commercial and other operators. We also undertook a viability appraisal for the Globe, a major regeneration project contributing to economic and social regeneration and a successful bid under the Heritage Enterprise Scheme

Other options appraisals and viability studies include management and governance options for the Tramway, and for Sheffield Contemporary Arts Forum and Abandon Normal Devices; for Stockton Borough Council we explored the viability of alternative capital and management options for the Globe; and for Tunbridge Wells Theatre we tested the demand for, and feasibility of, a new 1200 seat lyric theatre. During the pandemic we supported many organisations with strategic and business planning including the ICA, Smock Alley Theatre and the Mother Tongues Festival.

Whilst the Lottery was supporting major capital projects, we developed plans for the Roundhouse, Hampstead Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Oval House, Worthing Dome Cinema, Dance City, Artsadmin at Toynbee Studios, Salisbury Playhouse, Northern Stage, as well as supporting international capital projects in Ireland and Istanbul.