Decisions for issue New Historical Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep) – Project update, funding arrangements and future delivery

1.      That Cabinet notes that whilst the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund was unsuccessful, the partners’ subsequent exploration of reduced scheme options suggests a financially viable scheme is still achievable; a scheme considered capable of satisfying the original vision and objectives.

2.      That Cabinet notes the joint Project Board’s selection of a preferred scheme option and the work now underway to complete a revised RIBA Stage C report (outline design).

3.      That Cabinet confirms the city council’s commitment to ‘The Keep’ and supports continued partnership working with ESCC and the University of Sussex to further develop the project.

4.      That Cabinet notes the current funding profile and approves the city council’s revised financial contribution of up to £508,000 (a sum within the originally agreed ‘in principle’ figure) towards the continued development of the scheme up to RIBA Stage D (detailed design).

5.      That Cabinet grants authority for the preparation of appropriate legal documents to enable the project’s progression to Stage D (such documents to allow for proceeding further to Stage H but only subject to the city council’s agreement at the conclusion of Stage D.

6.      That Cabinet delegates authority to enter into those legal documents to the Director of Culture & Enterprise in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism.

7.      That Cabinet reconfirms ‘in principle’ agreement to the council’s longer-term funding commitment, to a maximum of £5.345m (inclusive of development funding shown in 2.4 above), to support the capital cost of delivering The Keep, with the final decision returning to Members at the conclusion of Stage D; currently anticipated in April 2010.