Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025

Purpose: To seek approval to apply to Arts Council England (ACE) for Museum Estate Development Fund grant funding for Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and to accept and spend the grant if successful.

Content: The Committee RESOLVED (unanimous vote in favour):   1. To approve the use of £50,000 from the Capital Feasibility Fund Framework to support the development of the MEND Round 5 full application and progression to RIBA Stage 3, relieving pressure on the Corporate Landlord’s revenue budget.   2. To approve the proposal for Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to apply to Arts Council England for up to £3,984,028 MEND Round 5 (Museum Estate Development Fund) grant for Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and for £124,818 in match funding to be drawn from Bristol City Council’s Corporate Landlord Health and Safety capital programme, and for up to £75,584 to be incorporated in next financial year’s capital programme for consideration in the budget proposal to Full Council.   3. To authorise the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee to submit the funding bid and, if successful, take all steps required to accept and spend the funding (including procuring and awarding contracts over the key decision threshold) as outlined in the report.