Culture and Heritage

The project with the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) did not progress as resources were diverted into the preparation and submission of a bid for £2m to the Heritage Lottery Town Scape Initiative Fund for Gabriel's Hill. We have also been accepted to receive a visit from the Urban Panel via Historic England. The RSA remain supportive of the ambition for Maidstone.

Planning permission obtained for the adventure zone

Planning application submitted 19th August 2016.

Planning permission expected by 15th December 2016

Procurement undertaken and contract awarded for the Adventure Zone

Invitation to tender posted on Kent Portal 12th August 2016. Tenders were received by 7th October 2016 and are currently being evaluated. We are looking to award contract in December 2016 in line with receiving planning permission.

Business case produced for a new Café/Visitor/Education Centre for Mote Park

Draft business case has been produced and reviewed by Head of Commercial and Economic Development. Revisions to be made in anticipation of the meeting with Corporate Leadership Team in December 2016. The business case will be used as part of the committee report to be submitted to Heritage Culture and Leisure Committee January 2017.

Funding bid submitted to Heritage Lottery Fund and/or other bodies

The Mote Park Centre is fully funded by the council to the value of £2.5m and will be progressed using project management toolkit with an opening date of summer 2018.

Any additional funding will be secured from a range of sources subject to justifiable need.

Complete year one programme of works

Year one, phase one completed successfully. Phase two will commence after summer.

Assess performance of contractor on year one programme

Performance has been assessed and the current contractor will continue to phase 2.

Retender or Award phase 2 contract

Phase 2 contract was awarded in September 2016 after the phase 1 review. The terms of the contract are currently being agreed.

Develop Draft Plan

Draft plan to go to Heritage, Culture and Leisure Committee January 2017.

Consultation with key stakeholders

This will be arranged following feedback from Heritage, Culture, and Leisure Committee.

Adoption of Plan

Adoption will follow once the draft has been to Heritage, Culture, and Leisure Committee.

Capital works completed in East Wing reception

This project was successfully completed in April 2016. The reception desk was successfully relocated and adjustments made to the retail and Visitor Information areas to improve their layout and impact.

Draft Museums 20 year development plan produced with the Museums strategic development board

The Museum Strategic Board is now established and has had its first meeting at which members of the Board were given an overview of the museum's current position, the risks and opportunities and the current vision for forward movement in the next 20 years. 3 areas were identified as priority for the museum's sustainability - Museum governance, funding and audiences. The panel is made up of the Leader of the Council, the Chair of HCL committee, Chair of Maidstone Museums Foundation, Partnership Manager Arts Council England, Museums Development Officer Kent and Medway and 2 Kent Ambassadors each with a background of senior management in industry or 3rd sector organisations. The Board will next meet in November. A consultant has been selected and is about to be appointed to carry out a review of museum governance which will inform the 20 year Development Plan and work outlined in the museum's Capital Works programme has begun.