Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)       approve, in principle, the design and location of the Kiddey Stones to be installed at Castle House, Newark;

b)       support a period of public consultation on the proposals to enable residents and stakeholders to have their views on the plans, including the Town Council in whose ownership the stones are in; and

c)        agree that a report is brought back to Cabinet in September 2024 to formally endorse the scheme or otherwise with a budget to be included in the Council’s capital programme.

The Director – Communities & Environment presented a report which put forward a proposal for the Cabinet to consider that could see work by the sculptor, Robert Kiddey, put on public view for the first time in 40 years, as part of plans to create a new art trail in Newark and beyond.

The Kiddey stone tablets had been stored at Newark Cemetery for many years. The Community Plan referenced a desire to increase the quality and quantity of public art in the District so it was considered that putting the stones on display would be a practical expression of that commitment and it could also mark the start of a new art trail around Newark town centre with more objects held by the Council being put on public display. The preferred option was for the stones to be placed outside Castle House. The cost to deliver the scheme was forecast at £81,240.

AGREED (with 8 votes for and 1 against) that Cabinet:

a)       approve, in principle, the design and location of the Kiddey Stones to be installed at Castle House, Newark;

b)       support a period of public consultation on the proposals to enable residents and stakeholders to have their views on the plans, including the Town Council in whose ownership the stones are in; and

c)        agree that a report is brought back to Cabinet in September 2024 to formally endorse the scheme or otherwise with a budget to be included in the Council’s capital programme.

Reasons for Decision:

The recommendations align with the Community Plan objectives in relation to heritage and culture, particularly the specific actions around increasing the quantity and quality of public art in the district.

Options considered:

The Kiddey Stones are part of Newark’s heritage. For around 40 years they have been under tarpaulin in the town’s cemetery. Without funding and a suitable location to site the stones, it is highly likely they will continue to remain away from public view. However, it is an option not to invest in the project.