To receive a verbal update on the Rugby World Cup by the Economy and Tourism Manager.
Minutes:
The Economy and Tourism Manager provided an update on the forthcoming Rugby World Cup 2015 event. More detail was available on exeter.gov.uk/rwc2015fanzone
The Fanzone, has a capacity of 5,000, was due to open in Northernhay Gardens for 13 days from 18 September to 31 October showing 25 matches across England and Wales (including the three matches at Sandy Park). There will be dedicated members of staff in the Fanzone to assist the 96 trained volunteers. Entry would be free and there would be a full programme of music and entertainment including pre/post match live entertainment, on site rugby/sports activity, with bars and local food available to purchase. The Event management plan has been signed off by England 2015, there had been close cooperation between the City Council’s City Development, licensing and waste management services to ensure the smooth running of the event. There will be a celebratory welcome to the five teams from Tonga, Georgia, Namibia, Romania and Italy with a parade on Saturday 10 October and the RWC final in the Fanzone on 31 October with a musical finale and pyrotechnics. It was anticipated that there will be £3.5 million additional spend in the city during RWC with 165,000 additional visitors, but the figure would ultimately generate £39 million of additional economic activity in Exeter, with investment in capital projects such as the redevelopment at Sandy Park.
Plans were already in place to maximise the legacy potential including the following:-
· the launch of BEEP on 1 October at the Innovation Centre. It should be noted that 12 of the 13 young people that took part in the two programmes were now in employment or training.
· the My First Rugby Ball initiative has been picked up nationally and had received funding from the Literacy Board.
· Cash for communities projects were starting to be delivered.
· two full teams of Topsham Ladies rugby were up and running and will be going into the league structure.
· grants had been received directly from the RFU for Crediton and Sidmouth Rugby Clubs to improve their club houses.
· progressing with the development a Rugby 7’s league in Exeter in partnership with the RFU, Active Devon, Chiefs Community, Exeter College and The University of Exeter.
Marketing activity included the development of a press pack around legacy activity and for the Fanzone. The Express & Echo will be producing a RWC supplement. Further information is also available on www.visitexeter.com and www.heartofdevon.com website / social media / e-newsletter. Every effort will be made to collect email addresses and postcodes from people attending the Fanzone and the three matches at Sandy Park. Every effort will be made to encourage ticket holders to use public transport. The Economy and Tourism Manager responded to a Member’s comment on the parking arrangements and referred to the inclusion of a Park and Ride at Westpoint. The city was dressed with flags etc and additional signage planned for the approach road to Sandy Park. She provided a response to a Member’s comment about the level of dressing outside of the city and in relation to two bridges on the approach into the city centre.
Scrutiny Committee – Economy welcomed the report.