Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report :

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1) Summary of Decision Area:

1.1. This report seeks approval to the proposals for the internal refurbishment and roof repairs scheme at the Willis Museum, Basingstoke.

2) Issues Covered in Report:

2.1. It is proposed to carry out internal reconfiguration, refurbishment and roof repair works to the Willis Museum at Basingstoke to facilitate the display of touring exhibitions from national institutions such as the British Museum. In order to do this, a large, flexible and secure gallery is required which complies with the recommendations of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. It is also proposed to refurbish a smaller exhibition gallery on the first floor for community exhibitions, to carry out essential works to the roof and to provide a public, accessible toilet.

3) Recommendations:

3.1. That the Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities approves the proposals for the internal refurbishment and roof repair works at The Willis Museum, at an estimated total cost of £483,000, excluding fees.

MAIN REPORT

1) Purpose of the Report:

1.1. The report outlines the proposals to carry out internal reconfiguration, refurbishment and roof repair works to the Willis Museum, Basingstoke.

2) Contextual Information:

2.1. The Willis Museum is located on the Market Place in Basingstoke. The building is of historic interest having been built as a replacement Town Hall in 1832. It has been modified several times over the years and is Listed Grade II.

2.2. It is now proposed to carry out internal reconfiguration and refurbishment works to enable the Museum to host touring exhibitions from national institutions such as the British Museum. In order to do this, a large, flexible and secure gallery is required which complies with the recommendations of the Museums Libraries and Archives Council. It is also proposed to refurbish a smaller exhibition gallery on the first floor for community exhibitions, to carry out essential works to the roof and to provide a public, accessible toilet.

2.3. Over the years the building has been altered to adapt it to new uses and add usable floor space. The proposed scheme not only allows the museum to cater for regularly changing exhibitions, but also facilitates the opportunity to repair, conserve and generally make visible some of the building's original features which are currently concealed.

2.4. The Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services has progressed the design of the proposed refurbishment scheme at The Willis Museum and the purpose of this report is to outline and seek approval to the proposals.

2.5. The proposed scheme will maximise wellbeing and enhance the quality of place for all users of the Museum by providing improved facilities.

3) Key Issues:

3.1. Scope of the Works:

The following works will be undertaken:

Ground Floor

· relocation of existing reception, shop and café to the gallery area at the rear of the building

· formation of new glazed entrance lobby and new glazed door screen between the gallery and the new reception/café area to provide better security and improved environmental conditions for museum objects and art works on display

· refurbishment of main gallery area to include removal of two-layer suspended ceiling to reveal original ceiling and internal columns

· secondary glazing to provide window security, to include dim-out and black-out blinds to provide for the differing requirements of the changing exhibitions

First Floor

· removal of suspended ceiling and associated redecoration and lighting works in rear gallery

· formation of an accessible toilet within an existing space.

Roof

· the pitched and felted sections of the roof will be stripped and any failing timbers replaced before re-slating and renewing flat roof areas

· work to renew lead parapet gutters will also be carried out.

3.2. Funding and Timing:

Subject to the necessary approvals it is anticipated that tenders will be invited during August 2008 and that work will commence on site during late September 2008. The internal refurbishment works will be prioritised with a view to completion at the end of November, the re-roofing works are programmed for completion early in 2009.

Funding for the proposed scheme (excluding fees) is as follows:

£'000 £'000 £'000
(build) (fees) (total)

Museum funding 168 10 *178

Landlord Capital Repairs budget 2008/09 300 45 345

Historic Buildings budget 2008/09 5 1 6

PBRS Access budget 2008/09 5 1 6

R&H Access budget 2008/09 5 1 6

483 58 541

* The Museums Service will provide an additional £22,000 for display equipment, furniture, etc. Its total contribution of £200,000 comprises external funding from DCMS Renaissance in the Regions (£100,000), the Wolfson Foundation (£50,000), the Linbury Trust (£45,000) and the Friends of the Willis Museum (£5,000).

3.3. Local Member Consultation

The local Member, Councillor Jo Kelly, has been consulted on these proposals and has confirmed that she is supportive of the proposals and that she would welcome further internal improvements should funding become available.

4) Outline of Options:

4.1. Option 1:

The need for the works has been identified as a priority and the works set out in the report are considered to be the most appropriate and cost-effective way of meeting that need.

5) Option Analysis / Comparison:

5.1. N/A

6) Conclusions:

6.1. The internal refurbishment and reconfiguration proposals will provide enhanced accommodation and enable The Willis Museum to host touring exhibitions of national significance.

7) Summary Recommendations:

7.1. That the Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities approves the proposals for the internal refurbishment and roof repair works at The Willis Museum, at an estimated total cost of £483,000, excluding fees.

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

COMPREHENSIVE RISK & IMPACT ASSESSMENT:

Race and Equality Impact assessment

Race and equality impact assessment has been considered in the development of this report and no adverse impact has been identified.

Crime prevention issues

The County Council has a legal obligation under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to consider the impact of all the decisions it makes on the prevention of crime. The proposals in this report have no impact on the prevention of crime.

FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTEES:

OTHER EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:

OTHER FORMAL CONSULTEES: