Agenda item

The Executive Director referred to the report which provided information to support the visit of the Panel to the Town Hall, which had taken place prior to the meeting.  He referred to the Financial Implications as set out in part 7 of the report and explained that the Council had submitted an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for additional funding.  There had been some overspend on the project as it was not the original intention to refurbish the toilets, however whilst the contractors were in the building, and because of the condition of the toilets, the decision was made to refurbish at the same time.  If the application for additional funding was unsuccessful the works would be funded from the Town Hall Reserves.

The Executive Director explained that a delay in the ground work because of electric cables had also increased the cost of the project as this had a knock on effect on the work to the lift.  He explained that the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund was for 66% of the overspend.

The Executive Director stated that the work carried out had futureproofed the building for the next twenty to thirty years and he was very pleased with the outcome.

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Mellish, thanked the Executive Director for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.  The Chairman commended the project and thanked all those involved.  She asked for clarification on how the overspend would be paid if funding was not awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The Executive Director explained that the Town Hall Reserves had not been used for the past few years on the anticipation that the Heritage Lottery Fund Project would come forward.  There were adequate funds available in the reserves to cover the overspend.  He explained that the new lift had to be installed as the existing lift was not suitable for evacuations and it was the ideal opportunity to refurbish the toilets whilst the contractors were on site.

Councillor Tyler felt that the result of the project was wonderful and stated that if the toilets had not been refurbished it would have let the scheme down.  He explained that the toilets were part of the facilities for the public, so hoped that the funding would be awarded.

The Executive Director reminded those present that initially the Council had submitted an application for funding for a larger scale project, however this was rejected by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a smaller scheme which was considered at regional level had subsequently been submitted and approved.

The Executive Director provided information on publicity and marketing.  He explained that a portion of the Funding awarded would be used for promotions and publicity and the Marketing and Communications Officer post had now been filled and the new member of staff was due to start shortly.  Councillor Crofts suggested that publicity material could be sent out with the Council Tax bills and the Executive Director commented that the bills had already gone out this year, but he would note Councillor Croft’s comments.  The Executive Director confirmed that a wide range of publicity and promotional material would be made available over varying platforms.

In response to a question from Councillor Howland, the Executive Director confirmed that the lift had an independent power supply and could be used for evacuation purposes.

Councillor Mrs Watson thanked all those involved in the project and commented that it was good that it linked into all heritage in the town centre. She hoped that schools would use Stories of Lynn and asked that consideration be given to offering the College the opportunity to use the temporary exhibition space to promote their work.

The Executive Director noted comments made by the Panel regarding the shoal of spoons, the accents used by some of the actors on the interactive displays and sound issues.

In response to a question from Councillor Tyler, the Executive Director explained that a four year activity plan had been produced which would be used to engage schools and a learning and engagement room was available for use by schools.

The Executive Director anticipated that it was likely that the facility would be open to the public for free on Heritage Open Day.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health, Councillor Mrs Nockolds commented that she was pleased that Members had enjoyed their tour and hoped that Members would spread the word and promote the attraction.  She explained that the humidity of the archives was still not quite at the correct level to bring the records back in, but it was hoped that the levels would be correct by May 2016.  She commented that it was good to see the Town Hall being brought back into regular use.  She explained that the courtyard area could now be used for weddings and there were lots of rooms available for events.  She referred to the Hub Room in Stories of Lynn which provided information on other attractions and heritage sites in King’s Lynn.  The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health reminded Members that Lynn Museum and Stories of Lynn would be open on Sundays.

The Executive Director referred to the proposed statue of King John and explained that the statue would signpost visitors to the Stories of Lynn.  .

In response to a question from Councillor Tyler, the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health informed those present that an exhibition was taking place in the Customs House to mark the 400^th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and the work of the King’s Players.

RESOLVED: (i) The report was noted.

(ii) A further updated be presented to the Regeneration and Development Panel in October 2016.