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Maidstone Borough Council

Regeneration & Economic Development

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Maidstone Museums Business Plan 2011-19 Update

Report of: Overview & Scrutiny Officer

 1.     Introduction

1.1        The Regeneration and Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee has within its terms of remit the following areas:

·         Economic development; and

·         Visitor Economy.

1.2        The Committee had included in its Future Work Programme an update on the Museum Business Plan.  It was felt that this should be considered at the earliest juncture by this Committee in view of the substantial work that has taken place at the Museum with the recent addition of the East Wing.

 2.     Recommendation

2.1              Members are recommended to consider the Museum Business Plan attached at Appendix A.

2.2    The Committee are recommended to interview Simon Lace, Museums and Heritage Manager, and make recommendations as appropriate.

3.      Background

3.1        The Maidstone Museums Business Plan 2011-19 includes:

• Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery;
• The Tyrwhitt -Drake Museum of Carriages; and
• The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum.

3.2        ‘The purpose of this plan is to set a clear direction for Maidstone Borough Council’s museums' service and explain how the museums will contribute to the Council’s overall priorities. The plan identifies key objectives and includes actions which will be taken to achieve these objectives.’

3.3        The Committee should be aware that the Maidstone Museums Business Plan 2011-19 is a live document and as such can be updated to address new exhibitions that are included in the Museum’s future programme of events.

4.      Impact on Corporate Objectives

4.1    The Strategic Plan 2011-15 states the Corporate Priority for “Maidstone to have a growing economy”.