The decision will deliver the refurbishment and alteration of the redundant Oxford Museum space within the Town Hall. The project aims to create a new ‘cultural hub’ with active learning and community participation at its core. In addition to new gallery displays on the ground floor, there will be a Museum Makers Workshop and New Learning Space in the basement of the building (directly below the galleries).

The Head of Community Services had submitted a report to seek project approval for and  permission  to start the Museum of Oxford Hidden Histories Project, following the award of £1.63 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Councillor Dee Sinclair, Board Member for Culture and Communities, spoke to the report. She was pleased to be able to bring this report to the Board  which was the next step in the visionary and ambitious plan for the future of the museum.  She recorded her thanks for all those who had got the project to this point, noting in particular, the contributions of Cllrs  Price and Simm and the officers involved. She was pleased to note the critical involvement of local residents in the development of aspects of the museum.

Cllr Price recorded thanks for the work of Vanessa Lea and  David Juler  and their contribution in preparing the successful HLF bid.  He noted that HLF consideration of the bid passed without dissent; a reflection of the bid’s quality. He also remarked on the continuing importance of the local community in helping to determine what exhibits should be included.

Cllr Tidball remarked on the importance of the strong educational element in the museum, something which will be reflected in the emerging Children and Young People’s Strategy.

It was agreed that every effort should be made to ensure that work on this project was done by local companies and contractors, in addition to the reference in the report to Oxford Direct Services  being the contractor for the main build.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.         Grant  Project Approval and permission to start the Museum of Oxford Hidden Histories Project, following award of £1.63m from the Heritage Lottery Fund;

2.         Authorise capital expenditure of £2.65m capital and £362k revenue, to be financed by capital receipts, prudential borrowing and revenue (paragraph 22), over the life of the project;

3.         Delegate authority to Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Heads of Finance and Law and Governance, to enter into any necessary funding agreements to secure the external funding for the scheme; and make any necessary in year budget adjustments;  

4.         Delegate authority to Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Heads of Finance and Law and Governance, to appoint and award any contracts that are necessary for the successful delivery of the project; and

5.       Ask officers to return with a progress report in 12 months’ time.