Purpose

To provide Cabinet with an update and seek endorsement with regard to Chatterley Whitfield including maintenance, the transfer of artefacts to the Friends of Chatterley Whitfield and Development Plan.

Decision

Museum

Agreed (i) - That Cabinet agrees to transfer to the Friends of Chatterley Whitfield mining related objects that remained at the Chatterley Whitfield site following the liquidation of the charitable trust currently held by the Friends and supplied on an inventory which the Friends will provide.

Agreed (ii) - That the Head of Legal, Governance, Culture and Heritage be given delegated authority to authorise the transfer any further objects found at the side in the future.

Agreed (iii) - That the Head of Legal, Governance, Culture and Heritage be requested to take all steps necessary to conclude this transfer.

Development Plan

Agreed (iv) - That the Cabinet agrees to adopt the themes outlined for development of the site including the exploitation of renewable energy resources, options for data centre development and re-use of buildings to support these activities and other commercial, cultural, training and associated heritage uses.

Agreed (v) - That Cabinet subsequently approves the use of external specialist advisors to work to further develop the case for investment, commercial approaches undertake studies and present clear options to the market and subsequently secure investment and delivery opportunities.

Agreed (vi) - That Cabinet further grants delegated authority to the Corporate Director – Housing, Regeneration and Operations to take all steps necessary to enable development of solutions to be adopted and delivered on the site.

Agreed (vii) - That Cabinet subsequently approves working with key stakeholders to ensure deliverable outcomes including the acceptance and application of grant funding obtained or secured during the development process.

Agreed (viii) - That Cabinet supports the use of £185,000 from Capital Contingency to facilitate the next phase of work set out in this report and secure direct investment into the site.