Issue - meetings

Report FSD16022

Members considered the latest budget monitoring position for 2015/16 for the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio based on expenditure and activity levels up to 31 December 2015.  The total portfolio budget showed a projected underspend of £236k.

The level of expenditure and progress with the implementation of the selected projects within the Member Priority Initiatives was also reported.

It was noted that all carry forward requests listed in Appendix 1B would be made to the Executive at year end to enable completion in 2016/17.

As set out in paragraph 5.4 (page 40), a net underspend of £63k was projected for staffing within the Planning Strategy and Projects team, due to part year vacancies.  It was reported that the volume of work was currently increasing and the vacant posts were being refilled.

Members were informed that the Priory Museum closed on 18 March 2016 and was expected to go out to market in the forthcoming week.  A meeting to discuss the next process would shortly take place between officers, the Portfolio Holder and Ward Members.  Meanwhile, security grills had been installed and guardians employed to secure and protect the building. 

The community group which had shown an interest in acquiring the building, had been provided with relevant information, so they were aware of all the work that would be required to make the building fit for purpose.

With regard to the existing museum artefacts, an on-line catalogue was now available.  The required temperature and humidity for the artefacts had been recorded and a number of them (including human remains), had been transferred to the Museum of London.  A specialist Museum Design Consultant had been appointed to deliver the new exhibition at the Central Library.  The design and detail process had been completed and works would be undertaken in September 2016.  The new exhibition would allow for 50% more items to be put on display, including space for the Lubbock Collection, a local history collection and a ‘Borough in Time’ exhibition space which would concentrate on key moments in time.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:-

(1)  endorse the latest 2015/16 budget projection for the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio; and

(2)  note the progress of the implementation of the Renewal and Recreation projects within the Member Priority Initiatives.