Issue - meetings

Report DRR17/001

The Executive received an update on the Biggin Hill Museum project, and in particular on the outcome of funding applications. The funding originally identified to deliver the preferred scheme was now wholly or partially in place, the Heritage Lottery Fund having announced in September 2016 that the scheme had passed its first stage for a grant of £1.85m, and an application to the Treasury’s LIBOR fund for a second £1m grant having been successful. Section 106 money was also available from a Taylor Wimpey planning application – this would be either £914k or £968k depending on which permission was implemented, a difference of £54k, which the Executive was requested to underwrite.   

Schemes that were passed at stage one by the Heritage Lottery Fund were supported towards the second stage, with around 80% being successful. If, however, the application failed at this next stage then it would be necessary to consider whether a reduced scheme could be delivered or funding could be secured through other means. Members confirmed that other fundraising opportunities should continue to be pursued.   

Councillor Julian Benington attended the Executive to support the scheme. The report had also been scrutinised by the Executive and Resources PDS Committee on 4^th January 2017; the Committee had supported the recommendations.

The Executive congratulated officers for progress with the scheme so far. The Memorial Museum would be a fitting tribute to those who had served at Biggin Hill, and its opening would be a focal point for commemorations of the end of the First World War. Members also thanked Jo Johnston MP for his assistance – the Leader undertook to write a letter of thanks to Mr Johnston.

RESOLVED that

(1) It is noted that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded a first stage pass for a grant of almost £2m and therefore the capital scheme is being developed to RIBA Stage 4, and that a planning application for the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum scheme will be submitted in February 2017.

(2) It is noted that the second £1m funding application to the Treasury was successful and that the monies will be received by the Council in early 2017.

(3) It is agreed that the Council underwrites the difference of £54k from S106 monies if Taylor Wimpey decide to deliver their scheme set out in planning application 16/02685 rather than planning application 15/00508; in the event that this sum is required it can be met from the Council’s 2016/17 Central Contingency.

(4) The continued development of the project is approved, namely publication of the works tender, following the submission of the second stage HLF grant application in February, prior to the final funding decision being known in June 2017.