Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Museum Manager & Culture Lead.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 16 March 2016 and its comments will be reported.

The report of the Museum Manager and Culture Lead was submitted which had been produced in response to the structural condition of St Nicholas Priory and to Members’ request for a review of its income generating potential. The report considered the present condition of the Priory, which had Ancient Scheduled Monument and Grade I Listed Building status and proposed a course of action to address this. It also reviewed current and potential future uses and management arrangements and proposed further steps towards identifying a sustainable future for the building.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Place commented that the gardens outside St Nicholas Priory had been cleared by a group of volunteers from the local community and it was now a beautiful garden.

Members supported the way forward proposed.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture proposed an additional recommendation that St Nicholas Priory should remain open for public access. This was agreed by Members.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 16 March 2016 and its comments were reported.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1)             a capital budget of £115,000 to address urgent structural repair and building conservation issues at St Nicholas Priory; and

RESOLVED that:-

(2)        the Arts Council England be approached about the de-accreditation of the site as a museum;

(3)        further discussion with potential partners about community management of St Nicholas Priory be approved;

(4)        a follow up report be produced for decision once partnership negotiations are at a stage when they can be formalised; and

(5)        St Nicholas Priory should remain open for Public Access.

To consider the report of the Museums Manager.

The Museums Manager and Cultural Lead presented a report which had been produced in response to the structural condition of St Nicholas Priory and to a Members’ request for a review of its income generating potential.  The report considered the present condition of the Priory, which had Ancient Scheduled Monument and Grade I Listed Building status, and proposed a course of action to address this. It also reviewed the current and potential future uses and management arrangements and further steps towards identifying a sustainable future for the building. The significance of this building and the City Council’s responsibilities for its maintenance were recognised. Members’ expressed their wish to see increased public usage of the building whilst acknowledging the challenges of location, lack of services and restrictions imposed by its historic status.

The Museums Manager responded to Members ‘comments:- 

·         the date of St Nicholas Priory’s designation as a ‘museum’ was unknown.

·         there had been a small number of wedding ceremonies, but due to the lack of building services it was only suitable for such use in spring and summer.

·         the summer months did offer an opportunity for greater use, and once the works had been carried out would not preclude the City Council using as an additional resources such as meetings or formal events with other local authorities.  The lack of running water or heating presented a challenge for any hospitality.  The Property Manager Corporate added that any service intrusion may not be possible due to the building’s Grade I Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

·         a dialogue would commence with the Exeter Historic Buildings Trust to ensure they had the experience to maintain the asset appropriately.  The Trust was a small local charity with no paid staff.  Although there was currently no Exeter City Council representation on the EHBC Trust, this could be raised as part of the discussions.

·         the structural works were necessary to preserve and bring the building back into useful life.

·         a site visit would be arranged, once full access was available after the remedial work had been carried out.

A Member felt strongly that the building should remain as an accessible asset for the city, as well as being protected to be enjoyed by Exeter’s’ residents. It was important that any future partnership understood the commitment required, and the City Council was also able to demonstrate accountability by ensuring the necessary governance arrangements were in place.  

Scrutiny Committee – Resources supported approval by Executive of the following: -

(1)        a capital budget of £115,000 to address urgent structural repair and building conservation issues;

(2)        the Arts Council England be approached about the de-accreditation of the site as a museum;

(3)        there be further discussion with potential partners about community management of St Nicholas Priory; and

(4)        a follow up report be produced for Members’ decision once partnership negotiations were at a stage when they could be formalised.