Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)       approve the submission of the delivery phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund by 16 November 2023;

b)     subject to the outcome of the Heritage Fund bid and approval of the Towns Fund Full Business Case, agree that a report be brought back to Cabinet to consider the increase to the capital programme budget from the Heritage Fund and to add additional staff to the establishment, funded by the project; and

c)     approve the preferred charging model.

The Business Manager – Heritage, Culture & Visitors presented a report which updated the Cabinet on the progress and revised costs of the Castle Gatehouse Project and sought approval to submit the delivery phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The report detailed the aims and objectives for the project and the timescale for delivery which needed to meet both Heritage Fund and Towns Fund requirements.

The report identified the key documents which would be commissioned as part of the development phase which would form the application to the Heritage Fund, provided some sample of designs for the project,  and also included options around the charging model.

AGREED      (unanimously) that Cabinet:

a)            approve the submission of the delivery phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund by 16 November 2023;

b)            subject to the outcome of the Heritage Fund bid and approval of the Towns Fund Full Business Case, agree that a report be brought back to Cabinet to consider the increase to the capital programme budget from the Heritage Fund and to add additional staff to the establishment, funded by the project; and

c)             approve the preferred charging model.

Reasons for Decision

The Heritage Fund is vital to securing the match funding for this project, and any delay to the delivery phase submission risks the timescales for delivery of the Towns Fund element.

This project supports the community plan objectives of enhancing and protecting the District’s natural environment through a more biodiverse planting scheme and landscaping development, preserving the green space within this historic site. It will deliver sustainable economic growth through delivery of a destination attraction for the town, and will support residents and local communities through co-creation, participation activities and opportunities to support improved wellbeing.

Options Considered

No alternatives are considered appropriate at this time. Without the project, the District Council would still have the responsibility to preserve and conserve the fabric of the building which is an ancient scheduled monument and requires significant investment, but without the wider benefits this project will offer. The Gatehouse Project is significant in the redevelopment of the town’s visitor offer and as a key driver for the visitor economy, and further offers residents improved access to their heritage and to the gardens, supporting improved wellbeing and health and offering numerous opportunities to participate in cultural activity. The proposed charging model reflects the best option for the economic sustainability of the project whilst providing residents with this significantly improved offer.