How do we plan to fund the Cultural Centre and Museum?
In November last year, the government announced that the Council of the Isles of Scilly would receive £6m towards the Cultural Centre and Museum project. The Council has applied for further funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the decision is expected to be announced in April 2024.
This money would complete the funding package for the project, enabling works to start. As we await news of this final piece in the jigsaw for funding the project, we wanted to share an overview of how the project would be funded.
A summary of the capital funding sought for the project is set out in the table below, drawn up by our colleagues at the Council of the Isles of Scilly. It shows our funding sources and the amount we have requested from each organisation.
Funding Sources
The Council of the Isles of Scilly has also committed to leasing the Town Hall building itself at no charge and a significant amount of officer time.
Councillor Tim Dean, Lead Member for Housing and Corporate Estate, said: “I’m pleased to be able to update the community on the progress made on this important project. Whilst we are eager to provide the Isles of Scilly Museum Association with a replacement venue to display their collection as soon as possible, I’m also keen that the community can once again access a large indoor venue in the heart of town. The Town Hall has been closed for community events since 2019, but the need for such a flexible space on St Mary’s has not diminished in this time.”
He added: “The upgraded hall will provide improved facilities for the wide range of community activities which previously took place in the venue, including live music performances, exhibitions, craft fairs, cinema and theatre. This exciting new space will support both resident artists and performers, as well as visiting companies. I’m delighted that the first set of trustees for the new organisation has been identified and I’m sure you will join me in wishing them luck in their new role.”
Who will own the building?
The Council will retain ownership of the Town Hall building and the newly formed Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) will become a tenant on a rolling 25-year lease, with responsibility for the management and operations of the whole facility, including the museum, café and community hall. The ongoing costs of running the facility will be met by the CIO.
