Decision details

The Executive considered a report seeking approval of the Towns Fund Business Case in respect of the New Towns Heritage Centre Project.

The Executive supported the proposed Business Case.  The following comments were made by Members:

·        the existing Museum was not the most accessible of buildings and the  new Heritage Centre would be a significant improvement, both in terms of its modern facilities; its co-location with the library; and in view of its town centre location as part of the Civic Hub building;

·        there would be a need to involve and include the various and diverse communities in the town in the exhibition content of the Heritage Centre;

·        the modern Civic Hub facility would be designed with a low or zero carbon footprint, in contrast to the various public buildings it would be replacing throughout the town; and

·        the Heritage Centre should contain information regarding the industrial and social history of Stevenage, including historical information regarding the past and current businesses operating in the town.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the endorsement of the project from the Stevenage Development Board be noted.

2.          That the business case for the New Towns Heritage Centre project be approved, and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to submit the project summary to the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing Towns Fund team on behalf of the Council (acting as Accountable Body).

3.          That further engagement, building on the work of the Community Select Committee, stakeholder workshops and roundtable discussions, as set out in Paragraph 4.1.2 of the report, be endorsed, to support the development of the project.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.