Agenda item

The Director of Environment gave a presentation in respect of the Guildford Museum Development Project, which was being progressed with the assistance of an outside consultant and a dedicated working group.  The presentation covered the work undertaken to date, the Museum vision, relevant Executive decisions taken on 19 March 2019, work pursued since March 2019, site layout and features, the fundraising strategy, timeline, risks to the project and recommendations to the Executive on 24 September 2019.

With regard to work undertaken to date, in 2016 the Executive considered the Museum survey documentation and analysis report and agreed that the development of the Museum as a vibrant visitor attraction was a corporate priority.  Examination of the site and development of architectural options, liaison with Historic England, community engagement, a decision to develop on the existing site and the setting aside of £6.5 million in the capital programme took place in 2017/18.  Development of the vision, content, interpretation, activity programme, business plan and indicative cost of £18 million followed in 2018-19.

The vision for the Museum sought to celebrate the story of Guildford and its regional, national and global impact on site, offsite and online; and be a centre for community engagement and outreach into the Borough and County; be a place for learning and creativity; and be a cultural hub for Guildford and the Borough.

Executive decisions reached in March 2019 were agreement to progress the project to Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 4, for officers to explore external funding options, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), to appoint a fundraising officer, to transfer £1,200,000 from the provisional budget to the approved budget to fund the required work, and to review the existing contracts for external consultants to either re-negotiate or re-procure them in order to ensure best value for money.

Work since March 2019 consisted of refining the scope of the project, commissioning a fundraising and digital strategies, holding two public consultation events, and discussions with potential hub partners.

The site layout map showed the re-orientated entrance to the castle grounds from Quarry Street.

The fundraising strategy consisted of three phases of fundraising and sought to raise £4 million from NLHF, set a fundraising target of £2.5 - £3m and establish a fundraising charity.

There had been positive feedback from the public consultation which had taken place in the Castle Grounds and Farmers’ Market and featured conversations with 111 people plus 52 browsers, voting on proposed storylines and activities, and commenting on the architectural proposals.

The project timeline completed with opening of the new Museum in April 2014.  Risks to the project were the cost, match funding, Historic England requirements and town planning issues.

The numerous recommendations to the Executive in September 2019 included the revised project scope, funding strategy and registered fundraising charity, Museum Accreditation policies, asset disposal for Castle Cottage and 39 castle Street, and approval of a capital supplementary estimate of £11.8 million and underwriting the non-NLHF fundraising target of £7.8 million.  The £18 million overall cost of the project included a high contingency sum of 15% owing to the risk and inflation.

Recent history, such as gaming in Guildford, would be included in the Museum displays and the aim was to tell stories in interesting ways.

Arising from related discussion and questions, the following points were made:

·             The project work would be commenced in Quarry Street and undertaken in enclosed sections to avoid the appearance of a building site.  The use of artists’ impressions of the completed project on the site enclosures was suggested as a means to stimulate public interest during the works.

·             As the University of the 3^rd Age had received some interesting and informative lectures in respect of the project, it was suggested that lectures be delivered to other interest groups and forums to engage the public.

·             The project development costs were relatively high as the refurbishment involved works to listed buildings and an ancient monument.  Costs were based on an early stage RIBA 1 feasibility study.  Spending would increase as professional fees and engineering and constructions costs were incurred as the project progressed.

·             The Executive would be recommended to underwright the outstanding funding gap and larger funders would be approached initially followed by smaller funders and then the public to fundraise.  The establishment of a charitable trust would assist with fundraising.  In the absence of sufficient funding, the project could be discontinued at any point prior to completion of the design stage in 2021.

·             An activity plan had been produced to assist with promoting the new Museum.

·             Town centre schemes involving Chapel Street and Castle Street created a circular route aiming to improve access to the Castle Grounds and increase connectivity.

·             It was felt the small display at the Castle should be linked with the Museum displays to provide a joined up offering.

·             Entry to the new Museum would be cost free and there would be open access to the Castle Grounds.  It was hoped to attract exhibitions and charge for their display.

Attendance at the meeting included a public speaker, Honorary Freeman and member of the Friends of Guildford Museum Jen Powell, who spoke in favour of the Museum project and was appreciative of the presentation and grateful for work undertaken to date.  Mrs Powell advised that funds of £34,000 raised by the Friends of Guildford Museum would be donated to the project.