Bleak time for Green Quay
A GRIM picture has been painted for the future of Lynn's Green Quay as budget cuts, poor weather and the current economic crisis take their toll on the centre.
The attraction on South Quay saw its grant from West Norfolk Council slashed by 53,000 at the start of the year but bosses were confident that an increase in sales and the offer of improved facilities would help them weather the storm.
But a report by centre manager Michael Dennis, due to go before the council’s museums committee on Monday, predicts the future could be very bleak unless further support can be found.
He said: “A budget was put together showing a ten per cent increase in sales with a return of 60 per cent gross profit. Although this was a tall order it was felt that with a fair wind this could be achieved, unfortunately it has not been the case.
“The lack of good weather so far this year has affected sales as the Green Quay relies heavily on sunny days to attract visitors to the river side.
“April and June especially proved to be disastrous.
“The take-up for the new conference facilities has been much slower than hoped.
“The lack of car parking and the lack of money to promote these facilities are part of the reason.
“Companies are also cutting back on off-site conferences as the credit crunch worsens.”
ENERGY COSTS
The report states that caf sales in the first five months only increased by one-and-a-half per cent while shop sales remained at the same level as last year.
At the same time suppliers’ costs have soared but only a proportion has been passed on to the customer, meaning profits have been limited at the 50 per cent mark.
Rising energy costs have also been absorbed by the centre and little interest has been shown in the education programme offered to schools.
In February the Lynn News reported how the council planned to cut funding levels to the attraction from 84,270 to 34,630 for the financial year.
It was also predicted that a further funding cut to just 4,790 could be on the cards for the following year.
But in June Green Quay Trust chairman Dr Paul Richards said the council, staff, the general public and management partners had pulled together to help secure its future.
He was confident the centre would ride out the financial year, hopefully ending at a break even or slightly better position, with a focus on continuing beyond April.
And despite the bleak position at present that optimism is also reflected in the report by Mr Dennis.
He said: “The report paints a gloomy trading picture short term but I am still convinced that if we get some help and survive the next two years, the Green Quay will be able to financially stand on its own feet after that.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
