Decision details

(a)      That the full business case for the Archives, Heritage and Learning Collections Hub be noted;

(b)      That Option 2 - the creation of an Archives, Heritage and Collections Hub on the County Hall campus - be approved;

(c)      That the Directors of Adults and Communities and Corporate Resources be authorised to undertake further work in order to develop the two potential schemes for Option 2 (a new build, and the refurbishment of an existing building) including:

          (i)       exploring the development of a package of external funding and

(ii)      engagement with key stakeholders to begin initial planning for the preferred scheme;

(d)      That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet regarding the outcome of work at (c) above and recommending the most appropriate scheme.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Option 2 fulfils the brief by providing a central single site location for the proposed Collections Hub, delivering a modern public service facility that would bring together the benefits of improved access to collections, increased storage space for the Record Office of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, and cashable savings of £350,000.

This option offers two potential schemes, both fulfilling the brief and based on the County Hall campus.  A final decision on the preferred scheme would be taken at a later date once investigations into potential external funding have been carried out.  Commencing discussion with stakeholders, in the meantime, will facilitate dialogue with potential funders.