Decision details

To receive the Option Appraisal Report and the Property Consultant’s report.  To agree the future direction for the Museum and Tourism Services.

Referring to minute 142 of 9 February 2016, the Cabinet considered the report and appended draft Consultant’s report circulated with the agenda.

Mrs Keegan introduced the report, and explained that the consultants report on options for the Novium Museum and Tourist Information Centre (TIC) had been received. However, it was felt that the consultants brief had not been wide enough and other options should be considered, including the appointment of a property consultant and architect to advise on possible adaptations and alternative uses for the Novium building. Meanwhile continued discussions would take place with charitable trusts and other potential providers of the Museum Service. This would enable a full suite of options to be presented to and considered by the Cabinet in October.

The Chairman commented that, although staff costs of the Novium were comparable with the previous Museum, building costs were high, especially depreciation, business rates and energy costs. Mrs Keegan acknowledged this but explained that some cost saving initiatives were in hand.

Members asked that the next report should provide accurate separate figures for visitors to the Museum and to the TIC.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the further work on the Novium Museum Options Appraisal be completed to investigate options identified in 5.1 of this report.

(2)  That £25,000 be released for the appointment of a property consultant and architect to assist with the further work.