West Berkshire Council will be resubmitting its bid for redevelopment of the Museum in Newbury following notification by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that the initial application for a grant of £999,995 has not been approved.

In determining the first-round bid, the HLF stated that the regional committee was very supportive of the Council’s plans for conserving the historic buildings and refurbishing the Museum, but that more evidence needed to be provided on how the redevelopment would help people to learn about their own and other people’s heritage. Therefore HLF has recommended that a revised Round One application is submitted when more work has been done on the learning and participation aspects of the project.

The Council had hoped that a bid for funding to engage architects, engineers and museum designers to prepare plans for a £2 million refurbishment would be approved.

The redevelopment proposals included restoration of the historic Cloth Hall and Corn Stores at the Wharf. It was also intended to create a new entrance and access hub, replacing a 20th century link building.

Pamela Bale, West Berkshire's Executive Councillor for Culture and Leisure said, "Securing a lottery grant was seen as the Council’s best opportunity for raising funds to provide new displays and improve access. However,following this decision, we look forward to submitting a revised  application to the HLF  that offers greater opportunities for learning and participation at the museum in line with their criteria."

Notes

1.     The Cloth Hall was first built as a workhouse in 1626; it is a Grade I listed building.

2.     The Corn Stores (also known as the Granary) was built around 1725 to serve the developing canal trade; it’s a Grade II* listed building.

3.     The Museum has been at the Wharf since first opening in the Cloth Hall in 1904.

4.     The Museum is currently closed to the public to allow staff to undertake essential collection care work.

5.     The Museum will re-open to the public on 1st April 2010 with a special exhibition on the archaeology of West Berkshire.

6.     The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, with around £180 million a year to invest in new projects.

No mention of the fact that most of the museum will remain closed until they finish the rebuild - or admit defeat on that and spend a few grand getting the safety issues resolved.

Obviously the HLF didn't make it clear what their expectations were from the applicants, unless the prospectus wasn't read carefully enough. Perhaps dear Pamela should ask some searching questions so that when the LibDems ask their questions, as they will of course, she may have some of the answers. Time will tell.

If the museum is partly closed, and will be for quite some time, would it not make sense to find a temporary home?  How popular is the museum, anyone know average visitor numbers?

Perhaps they should sell off the museum.

Quoted from user23.3

Perhaps they should sell off the museum.

I see, so what would you suggest would be an appropriate replacement use of the building?

Quoted from Dig of the Stump

I see, so what would you suggest would be an appropriate replacement use of the building?

Whatever the buyer wanted to do with them, along as they didn't paint them purple.

Quoted from user23.3

Whatever the buyer wanted to do with them, along as they didn't paint them purple.

That must mean you couldn't care less?

Quoted from user23.3

Whatever the buyer wanted to do with them, along as they didn't paint them purple.

Seeing as you came up with the idea, can't you be more specific so we can debate the possibility.

Quoted from Dig of the Stump

Seeing as you came up with the idea, can't you be more specific so we can debate the possibility

Do you usually have to specify what the next owner does with a building when you sell it?

Providing they stick to the listed building regulations does it matter?

Quoted from user23.3

Do you usually have to specify what the next owner does with a building when you sell it?

I don't know. I just thought you may have liked to 'debate' the possibilities. Sorry I was mistaken.

Can't see anyone wanting to take on a building like that, can you? Lovely as it is, it would cost a fortune to refurbish. Would make a lovely restaurant <ducks>

Quoted from Dig of the Stump

Seeing as you came up with the idea, can't you be more specific so we can debate the possibility

He could always ask his wife. She runs a bit of it

I can't see selling it is an option, I can't see any private concern would be interested.

Quoted from 133

Can't see anyone wanting to take on a building like that, can you? Lovely as it is, it would cost a fortune to refurbish. Would make a lovely restaurant <ducks>

Prezo did it with the old, old library,