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42 @top-left {content: "Victoria Terrace Working Group Report"}} 42 @top-left {content: "Victoria Terrace Working Group Report"}}
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47 </style><title>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working GroupDRAFT: Very nearly done, some appendices still 47 </style><title>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working Group</title></head><body style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, Arial; background: rgb(254,250,246)">
48 missing, as well as remaining red bits to be addressed</title></head><body style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, Arial; background: rgb(254,250,246)">
49 <div style="text-align: center"> 48 <div style="text-align: center">
50 <h1>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working Group</h1> 49 <h1>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working Group</h1>
51 <h1><span style="color: red">DRAFT: Very nearly done, some appendices still
52 missing, as well as remaining red bits to be addressed</span></h1>
53 <div class="byline">Alison Burnley, Madeleine Harding, Phil Lucas, Brian Mayes, 50 <div class="byline">Alison Burnley, Madeleine Harding, Phil Lucas, Brian Mayes,
54 Laurie Naumann, Rufus Reade, 51 Laurie Naumann, Rufus Reade,
55 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</div> 52 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</div>
56 <div class="byline">6 June 2009</div> 53 <div class="byline">6 June 2009</div>
57 54
72 <p>This report has three main sections, organised chronologically, covering 69 <p>This report has three main sections, organised chronologically, covering
73 the history of the Quaker ownership of 7 Victoria Terrace, its current 70 the history of the Quaker ownership of 7 Victoria Terrace, its current
74 situation, and a range of possibilities for the future. These are preceded by 71 situation, and a range of possibilities for the future. These are preceded by
75 a brief ‘executive summary’ of our work and its conclusions, and followed by a 72 a brief ‘executive summary’ of our work and its conclusions, and followed by a
76 collection of background material.</p> 73 collection of background material.</p>
77 <p>Although in the end it is our judgement that some options make more sense 74 <p>Throughout our work we have not seen it as our task
78 going forward than others, we have <i>not</i> felt that it was our place 75 to make any overall recommendations, but rather to gather the information
79 to make any overall recommendations. We feel strongly that it is for Area 76 necessary to support Area Meeting as it seeks answers. We feel strongly that it is for Area
80 Meeting, gathered in Meeting for Worship for Business, to discern the right way 77 Meeting, gathered in Meeting for Worship for Business, to discern the right way
81 forward.</p> 78 forward.</p>
82 </div><div id="exec"> 79 </div><div id="exec">
83 <h2>2. <a name="exec">Executive summary of work and conclusions</a></h2> 80 <h2>2. <a name="exec">Executive summary of work and conclusions</a></h2>
84 <p>The working group met a total of twelve times throughout the first five 81 <p>The working group met a total of twelve times throughout the first five
98 <p>Our conclusions can be summarised in terms of a sequence of choices, each leading 95 <p>Our conclusions can be summarised in terms of a sequence of choices, each leading
99 to a situation with costs and benefits. The primary choice is, do we stay in 7 Victoria 96 to a situation with costs and benefits. The primary choice is, do we stay in 7 Victoria
100 Terrace, or do we leave it? If we leave, do we 97 Terrace, or do we leave it? If we leave, do we
101 attempt to find somewhere which provides essentially the same facilities as 7 Victoria 98 attempt to find somewhere which provides essentially the same facilities as 7 Victoria
102 Terrace, or somewhere more modest, or more than one place? Do we look for somewhere to 99 Terrace, or somewhere more modest, or more than one place? Do we look for somewhere to
103 share, or somewhere of our own? If we stay, do we reduce our use, and with it our costs, or 100 share, or somewhere of our own? If we stay, do we reduce our use, and with it our costs,
104 do we continue more-or-less as at present, or do we try to do more? How do each of these 101 do we continue more-or-less as at present or do we try to do more? How do each of these
105 choices align with our vision for Quaker presence and witness in Edinburgh?</p> 102 choices align with our vision for Quaker presence and witness in Edinburgh?</p>
106 <p><span style="color: red">[more, or leave it at that?]</span></p>
107 </div><div id="history"> 103 </div><div id="history">
108 <h2>3. <a name="history">The past</a></h2> 104 <h2>3. <a name="history">The past</a></h2>
109 <div id="origins"> 105 <div id="origins">
110 <h4>3.1. <a name="origins">Origins</a></h4> 106 <h4>3.1. <a name="origins">Origins</a></h4>
111 107
715 division of any profit between itself and designated charities.</p> 711 division of any profit between itself and designated charities.</p>
716 </div> 712 </div>
717 <div> 713 <div>
718 <h4>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting 714 <h4>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting
719 House</h4> 715 House</h4>
720 <p><span style="color: red">See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</span></p> 716 <p><i>See Questionnaire A in Appendix B</i></p>
721 <p>People felt they were not entirely 717 <p>People felt they were not entirely
722 dependant on Victoria Terrace but for meetings it was felt to be accessible, 718 dependant on Victoria Terrace but for meetings it was felt to be accessible,
723 convenient and the "right" place to meet. Good access by public transport.</p> 719 convenient and the "right" place to meet. Good access by public transport.</p>
724 720
725 <p>Disabled access is difficult at present but 721 <p>Disabled access is difficult at present but
857 what we do, continue pretty much as at present, or try to do more. These 853 what we do, continue pretty much as at present, or try to do more. These
858 options are explored below.</p> 854 options are explored below.</p>
859 <div> 855 <div>
860 <h4>Do Less</h4> 856 <h4>Do Less</h4>
861 <p> 857 <p>
862 One option would be to do less than at present. That could mean reducing the hours that the building is open 858 One option would be to do less than at present. That would almost certainly mean reducing the hours that the building is open
863 </p> 859 </p>
864 <ul> 860 <ul>
865 <li> 861 <li>
866 The building is currently open to the public from 862 The building is currently open to the public from
867 0900 863 0900
905 </li> 901 </li>
906 <li> 902 <li>
907 Reduce or cancel Christmas lunch and other social activities involving the preparation of food and serving of food and drink. 903 Reduce or cancel Christmas lunch and other social activities involving the preparation of food and serving of food and drink.
908 </li> 904 </li>
909 </ul> 905 </ul>
906 <p>It is important to underline that the impact of the kind of changes listed
907 above is both uncertain, and in the main likely to affect the overall financial
908 picture only modestly.</p>
910 <p> 909 <p>
911 It is clear from our initial consultations that any significant reduction in activity would change the feel of the Meeting and affect the users of the building. 910 It is clear from our initial consultations that any significant reduction in activity would change the feel of the Meeting and affect the users of the building.
912 </p> 911 </p>
913 </div> 912 </div>
914 <div> 913 <div>
966 <li>Or hire (Sole tenant/share)?</li> 965 <li>Or hire (Sole tenant/share)?</li>
967 <li>One venue (central, or not?) or several?</li> 966 <li>One venue (central, or not?) or several?</li>
968 </ul> 967 </ul>
969 <p>One of the prime motivations for leaving Stafford Street was that though 968 <p>One of the prime motivations for leaving Stafford Street was that though
970 central it was not ‘visible’ to the public; it had no lettings of rooms, no 969 central it was not ‘visible’ to the public; it had no lettings of rooms, no
971 display windows and no involvement in the Festival. Whether these are wanted in 970 display windows and no involvement in the Festival. If these still matter they
972 any replacement should therefore be looked for in any candidate alternative premises.</p> 971 would be requirements for in any candidate alternative premises.</p>
973 <p>If we decide to sell Victoria Terrace in order to buy, lease or 972 <p>If we decide to sell Victoria Terrace in order to buy, lease or
974 even share somewhere else it would probably be necessary to sell also the 973 even share somewhere else it would probably be necessary to sell at least
975 two flats. 7 Victoria Terrace was valued at only £160,000 <i>before</i> the current slump 974 one of the
975 two flats as well. 7 Victoria Terrace was valued at only £160,000 <i>before</i> the current slump
976 in property prices, at which time the two flats together were valued at closer 976 in property prices, at which time the two flats together were valued at closer
977 to £300,000. The rateable value (reflecting a fair-market annual 977 to £300,000. The official rateable value (reflecting a fair-market annual
978 <i>rental</i> value) for 7 Victoria Terrace is £14,600, which is 978 <i>rental</i> value) for 7 Victoria Terrace is £14,600, which is
979 broadly in line with, or a little below, the £160,000 valuation.</p> 979 broadly in line with, or a little below, the £160,000 valuation.</p>
980 <p>We explored the cost of moving elsewhere. Minimum accommodation for our own use only would be:</p> 980 <p>We explored the cost of moving elsewhere. Minimum accommodation for our own use only would be:</p>
981 <ul> 981 <ul>
982 <li>1 Meeting Room</li> 982 <li>1 Meeting Room</li>
1003 Portobello, Trinity/Granton, Leith Walk/London Road or around Cameron Toll and the 1003 Portobello, Trinity/Granton, Leith Walk/London Road or around Cameron Toll and the
1004 Commonwealth Pool.</p> 1004 Commonwealth Pool.</p>
1005 <p>If we could find no suitable venue for our exclusive use we might share with, say, 1005 <p>If we could find no suitable venue for our exclusive use we might share with, say,
1006 7th Day Adventists, a play group, an Open Door or community hall that was not required 1006 7th Day Adventists, a play group, an Open Door or community hall that was not required
1007 on a Sunday.</p> 1007 on a Sunday.</p>
1008 <p>However, it would be necessary for us to be the ‘chief’ occupants in order that we can 1008 <p>However, it would be necessary for us to be the ‘chief’
1009 occupants if we wish to be able to
1009 arrange mid-week or evening meetings, and have some say over publicity displays and 1010 arrange mid-week or evening meetings, and have some say over publicity displays and
1010 lettings. We would wish to be in charge of lettings, including festival events 1011 lettings. We would probably want to be in charge of lettings, including festival events
1011 such as poetry readings, plays, small musical events, and so on. We would not have a 1012 such as poetry readings, plays, small musical events, and so on. We would not have a
1012 café, but might offer light refreshments and have an exhibition on walls other 1013 café, but might offer light refreshments and have an exhibition on walls
1014 other than
1013 those of the Meeting Room.</p> 1015 those of the Meeting Room.</p>
1014 <p>We carried out a survey of commercial property of a reasonable scale in 1016 <p>We carried out a survey of commercial property of a reasonable scale in
1015 and around the centre, and there was nothing available for under £250,000 1017 and around the centre, and there was nothing available for under £250,000
1016 that was any where near large enough. Finding <i>any</i> premises including one room of approximately 800 1018 that was any where near large enough. Finding <i>any</i> premises including one room of approximately 800
1017 square feet (the size of the current meeting room and of the hall) was itself 1019 square feet (the size of the current meeting room and of the hall) was itself
1023 result in a situation materially different from our current one.</p> 1025 result in a situation materially different from our current one.</p>
1024 </div> 1026 </div>
1025 </div> 1027 </div>
1026 <div id="vision"> 1028 <div id="vision">
1027 <h4>5.2. <a name="vision">The Vision</a></h4> 1029 <h4>5.2. <a name="vision">The Vision</a></h4>
1028 <p>From the returned questionnaires and the discussions we have had it would seem that the 1030 <p>From the returned questionnaires and the discussions we have had it is clear that the
1029 majority of users of the premises would prefer to remain in Victoria Terrace if this is 1031 majority of users of the premises would prefer to remain in Victoria Terrace if this is
1030 financially possible. </p> 1032 financially possible.</p>
1031 <p>It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the 1033 <p>It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the
1032 presence of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish offices of financial, church and 1034 presence of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish offices of financial, church and
1033 corporate bodies, such as Christian Aid. This would enable us to present our Quaker 1035 corporate bodies, such as Christian Aid. This would enable us to present our Quaker
1034 witness to these bodies and to the general public, including the large numbers of tourists 1036 witness to these bodies and to the general public, including the large numbers of tourists
1035 and visitors to the city. However, it cannot be assumed that Friends in Scotland outwith 1037 and visitors to the city. However, it cannot be assumed that Friends in Scotland outwith
1036 Edinburgh would be happy to recognise us as a Scottish Quaker Centre. Indeed, there 1038 Edinburgh would be happy to recognise us as a Scottish Quaker Centre. Indeed, there
1037 are Friends in the Area Meeting who do not have any feeling of ‘ownership’ of 7 1039 are Friends in the Area Meeting who do not have any feeling of ‘ownership’ of 7
1038 Victoria Terrace nor any sense of involvement in its activities. It is also the case that not 1040 Victoria Terrace nor any sense of involvement in its activities. It is also the case that not
1039 all members of Edinburgh Central welcome the disruption and disturbance arising from 1041 all members of Edinburgh Central welcome the disruption and disturbance arising from
1040 our Festival activities.</p> 1042 our Festival activities.</p>
1041 <p>Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace 1043 <p>Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace
1042 because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and 1044 because it is central and visible, available and open. Such doubts as were expressed were about finance and
1043 the Festival.</p> 1045 the Festival.</p>
1044 </div> 1046 </div>
1045 <div id="concl"> 1047 <div id="concl">
1046 <h4>5.3. <a name="concl">Conclusions</a></h4> 1048 <h4>5.3. <a name="concl">Conclusions</a></h4>
1047 <p><span style="color: red">How the practicalities and the vision fit (or 1049 <p>7 Victoria Terrace is owned by Area Meeting, and it is for Area Meeting
1048 don’t). What does Area Meeting do 1050 to determine its use. Once the outline of a future for Friends in Edinburgh
1049 next. . .</span></p> 1051 is discerned, whether it means retaining Victoria Terrace or disposing of it,
1052 further questions will have to be asked and answered, detailed options
1053 explored, specified and costs and benefits assessed. The Working Group has
1054 done its best to bring together as much information as possible to assist Area
1055 Meeting in the discernment process regarding the fundamental questions: What
1056 is our vision? Stay
1057 or go? If we go, whither? If we stay, on what terms? Beyond that, and
1058 against the background of the answers to <i>those</i> questions, further
1059 work will be needed before the next set of decisions can be considered.</p>
1050 </div> 1060 </div>
1051 </div><div id="appendices"> 1061 </div><div id="appendices">
1052 <h2>6. <a name="appendices">Appendices</a></h2> 1062 <h2>6. <a name="appendices">Appendices</a></h2>
1053 <div id="remit"> 1063 <div id="remit">
1054 <h4>6.1. <a name="remit">Appendix A: Remit from Area Meeting</a></h4> 1064 <h4>6.1. <a name="remit">Appendix A: Remit from Area Meeting</a></h4>
1055 <p>[include doc here]</p> 1065 <p>[include doc here]</p>
1056 </div> 1066 </div>
1057 <div id="quests"> 1067 <div id="quests">
1058 <h4>6.2. <a name="quests">Appendix B: Questionnaires for different user groups</a></h4> 1068 <h4>6.2. <a name="quests">Appendix B: Questionnaires for different user groups</a></h4>
1069 <p>[include docs here]</p>
1059 </div> 1070 </div>
1060 <div id="open"> 1071 <div id="open">
1061 <h4>6.3. <a name="open">Appendix C: Summary of contributions from open meetings</a></h4> 1072 <h4>6.3. <a name="open">Appendix C: Summary of contributions from open meetings</a></h4>
1062 <div> 1073 <div>
1063 <h4>Notes of first Open Meeting, Sunday, 26 April 2008 at 7 Victoria Terrace</h4> 1074 <h4>Notes of first Open Meeting, Sunday, 26 April 2008 at 7 Victoria Terrace</h4>
1301 <p><b>Grand total for the year</b>:£16,873</p> 1312 <p><b>Grand total for the year</b>:£16,873</p>
1302 </div> 1313 </div>
1303 <div id="refs"> 1314 <div id="refs">
1304 <h4>6.5. <a name="refs">Other sources</a></h4> 1315 <h4>6.5. <a name="refs">Other sources</a></h4>
1305 <p>The following documents, while not part of this report, have been 1316 <p>The following documents, while not part of this report, have been
1306 submitted to Area Meeting as they provided input to our work:</p> 1317 lodged with Area Meeting as they provided input to our work:</p>
1307 <ul> 1318 <ul>
1308 <li>Summary budget figures from John Phillips</li> 1319 <li>Summary budget figures from John Phillips</li>
1309 <li>Report to Trustees by Kath Russell of Woodbrooke</li> 1320 <li>Report to Trustees by Kath Russell of Woodbrooke</li>
1310 <li>Results of questionnaire (both tabulation and comments) to Central Edinburgh members and attenders</li> 1321 <li>Results of questionnaire (both tabulation and comments) to Central Edinburgh members and attenders</li>
1311 </ul> 1322 </ul>