Agenda item

Report DRR14/116

As part of the £60 million savings required to be made within the next four years, the Executive Committee at its meeting on 14 January 2015, had identified the museum service as a budget cut for 2015/16.  In this respect, R&R PDS Members considered a new approach to providing an improved quality heritage offer for residents, without an ongoing revenue requirement.

One Member commented that the necessity to find savings had led to the unfortunate consideration of this matter.  However, accommodating the Museum at Central Library which was situated in a good central location and provided disabled access, would attract more footfall to Bromley town centre.  After rationalisation, it was important to ensure that as many items as possible were accessible to view.  One possible solution was to display some artefacts  and paintings in houses and buildings open to the public, as well as in schools and other libraries.

The Chairman confirmed that the Lubbock Gallery would display more artefacts from the Lubbock collection than are currently on display in the Avebury Gallery at the Priory.

Members were informed that some of the 20,000 objects and paintings should not have been acquisitioned as they were irrelevant to the local history of the Borough and in this respect, a rationalisation process would be undertaken.  Many options existed for exhibiting the artwork; 50 pieces were currently on display in the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.  Artefacts identified for disposal could be offered back to the donor, offered to other museums, given to schools or other not-for-profit community organisations and as a last resort sold.  The procedure for rationalisation would be properly carried out following Museum Association guidelines.

Visiting Ward Member Councillor William Huntington-Thresher iterated Members' disappointment that Members were required to consider this matter due to the Council's current financial position.  He stated that clear consideration must be given to the future use of the building bearing in mind the Council's policy of creating a vibrant, thriving town centre; in this respect, employment or community use of the building would be beneficial.  Planning permission for a change of use would be required.

Councillor Huntington-Thresher suggested that a working group comprising the Council and volunteers from local history organisations be formalised, to liaise on setting up mini displays for the new Museum.

As the Priory car park was the only off-street parking at that end of Orpington High Street, Councillor Huntington-Thresher considered it imperative that the current car park remain available for public use during the evenings to support the restaurant trade.

Members shared the Ward Member's views and concerns.  It was agreed that a formal group of volunteers to work with the Council, be established as soon as possible. 

A top firm of agents would be instructed to sell the building and it was hoped that it would not remain boarded up for a long period of time.

Members agreed that Central Library was a more suitable location for the Museum and due to a lack of funds, the Priory building deserved more care and maintenance than the Council could provide.  Concerns around access to schools and the curation of items would be properly dealt with.  The proposals considered by Members were the start of a brand new and exciting chapter for Bromley Museum.

RESOLVED that a working group comprising the Council and volunteers from local history organisations be formalised, to liaise on setting up mini displays for the new Museum.

It was FURTHER RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be requested to recommend that the Executive Committee agree to the following approach as set out in the report:-

(1)  The Priory be declared surplus to operational requirements with effect from 1 April 2015 and authority be given to offer the property for sale on the open market.

(2)  Members to comment on the outcome of the consultation at the Executive meeting to be held on 11 February 2015 and subject to any issues that may arise during consultation, endorse the proposal to close the museum service.

(3)  The Executive approve the allocation of £395k from capital receipts for the relocation of exhibitions and to add the scheme to the capital programme.