Decision details

To consider a proposal to re-model the Westbury Manor Museum as a vibrant ‘culture stop’, with pop-up exhibitions and events, enhanced café and retail outlet.

Westbury Manor Museum is a community museum that tells the story of Fareham's rich and varied local history. However, the exhibitions and reception spaces require modernising and visitor numbers are in decline.

In May 2015 the Executive approved a vision for the transformation of the cultural facilities in Fareham. This included the re-invention of Westbury Manor Museum as a vibrant ‘culture stop’.

Officers from the Leisure & Community team, Hampshire Cultural Trust and Hampshire County Council architects have prepared a feasibility study to deliver the vision for a re-modelled Westbury Manor Museum. The aim is to create a vibrant cultural heritage attraction at a key strategic location on West Street, Fareham.

The cost of the main building works is £665,000 with Hampshire Cultural Trust funding £217,000 and Fareham Borough Council £448,000. It is proposed that £285,000 held by the Council in “The Charity of Miss Winifred Nellie Cocks” is utilised plus an additional £163,000 from reserves.

The Council would enter into a 10 year management agreement with Hampshire Cultural Trust, including a lease for the building.  After taking account of the cost of capital, the saving to the Council over the 10 year agreement would be £396,000.

This provides an exciting and unique opportunity to transform one of the key cultural facilities in Fareham and create a vibrant ‘culture stop’ which will re-energise the visitor experience to the museum and a focal point for the town centre.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(a)  proposals to remodel the Westbury Manor Museum as outlined in the report;

(b)  that £285,000 held by the Council in the Charity of Miss Winifred Nellie Cocks be used towards the cost of funding the works;

(c)  that £163,000 from capital reserves is allocated towards the cost of funding the works;

(d)  up to £35,000 is allocated from the Innovation Fund for improvements and enhancements to the frontage of the building;

(e)  a 10 year management agreement and lease to Hampshire Cultural Trust for the provision of a museum service in the Westbury Manor building, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed; and

(f)   that £64,500 funding from revenue for the first year of the new management agreement.