Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report :

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1) Summary of Decision Area:

1.1. Winchester Cathedral is considering enhancing the existing Education Centre and overall educational experience and has approached the County Council for assistance with a scheme of improvements. This report identifies a number of actions which are proposed be taken in order to support the Cathedral project.

1.2. The project supports the Corporate Priorities, and in particular offers facilities for education and enhances our Quality of Place, by assisting a significant scheme of improvements.

2) Issues Covered in Report:

2.1. This report details the proposed improvements, and how the County Council can offer support to the project by way of financial contribution, officer time and professional advice and services in the design development and implementation of the project.

3) Recommendations:

That the Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that:

3.1. The proposals for improving the existing Education Centre and education experience at the Cathedral be supported.

3.2. A grant of £280,000 to the Winchester Cathedral Trust towards the project, be approved. This financial contribution will be funded from under spending in 2007/08, earmarked for this purpose.

3.3. Design advice and professional services be offered to the Cathedral at no cost to assist them to undertake and complete a building feasibility study for the Education Centre project.

3.4 Following completion of a building feasibility study, a review be undertaken by the Acting Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services concerning the next steps involved in assisting the Cathedral realise its future ambitions.

MAIN REPORT

1) Purpose of the Report:

1.1. The report seeks approval to a number of actions which it is proposed be taken in order to support the Winchester Cathedral project.

2) Renewing Education at the Cathedral:

2.1. Winchester Cathedral is considering enhancing the provision of education by renewing and extending spaces and facilities offered currently to school groups at the existing Education Centre at No.10a The Close. It is also considering the potential use of the garden behind the adjacent No. 9 The Close.

2.2. The Cathedral is also interested in exploring the potential for a second phase of new build works to provide better facilities which may include adult education and life long learning.

2.3. It is proposed to undertake feasibility work to explore possibilities for realising these ambitions and to offer a preferred way forward.

3) Proposed Improvements and Feasibility Work:

3.1. The Cathedral has identified specific areas for improvement to the existing Education Centre including better access facilities and group teaching rooms, enhanced information technology, and renewal of existing finishes and fittings.

3.2. The existing building is likely to require some internal remodelling and there will be an opportunity to explore the possibility to provide better linkages and access to the outside for group activity by way of the rear of No10a and the gardens beyond.

3.3. The further opportunity to be considered as part of the feasibility study is the potential for a new build addition to provide enhanced education facilities and possible wider uses such as community or adult learning and lectures.

3.4. The existing facilities and spaces have evolved over a period of time and are in need of updating. The building is of historical value and the opportunity is being taken to review the existing building and service condition.

3.5. In addition to core design services for the project being provided to the Cathedral by the Property, Business and Regulatory Services Department, and given the particular heritage setting and status of the building and site, specialist surveys and assessments will be required and it is proposed that these specialist activities be provided directly to the Cathedral by specialist firms.

3.6. The next step for the Cathedral is to undertake a feasibility study to provide an initial appraisal of existing buildings and the site, to develop a full strategic brief for the project and to produce outline sketch proposals with costings.

3.7. The Cathedral has approached the County Council to seek support towards its proposals for the existing Education Centre and overall educational experience.

4) Conclusions:

4.1. This is an exciting opportunity to assist the Cathedral in significantly improving the existing Education Centre and education experience at Winchester Cathedral for the benefit of Hampshire school children and it is considered that the County Council should strongly support these proposals.

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.

Climate Change:

The project is for Winchester Cathedral and the site and existing building are of significant historical value. Within this context, officers of the County Council will promote best practice with regard to minimising the impact on the carbon footprint and energy consumption in the design and implementation of the project and it's subsequent ongoing operational use. Officers will also promote in the project consideration of the needs to adapt to climate change and be resilient to its longer term impacts.

FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTEES:

OTHER EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:

OTHER FORMAL CONSULTEES: