Decision details

Transfer of former Folk Museums Buildings, Westgate Street, Gloucester

Decision Maker: Corporate Director

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

Having regard to the decision of Cabinet taken on 19 July 2017 and the delegated authority given to me by that decision, to approve the terms and complete the transfer of the former Museum of Gloucester Life site at 99-103 Westgate Street Gloucester GL1 2PG to Gloucester Historic Buildings Ltd for the sum of £1 and to authorise the Council Solicitor to execute the documents referred to in this Decision Notice

Reasons for the decision:

On 19 July 2017 the Cabinet considered a report on the City Museums Service.  As part of that report it was proposed that the site of the former Gloucester Life Museum be transferred to Gloucester Historic Buildings Ltd as part of a wider initiative with the Gloucester Civic Trust.  It was understood that the maintenance liabilities of the building outweighed its value and this was confirmed in a Valuation Survey undertaken by Bruton Knowles in 2017.  Cabinet approved the transfer subject to contract and delegated authority for the terms to be agreed and the transfer to be completed.

The parties involved in agreeing the terms of the transfer have been Gloucester City Council (GCC), Gloucester Historic Buildings Ltd (GHB), Gloucester Civic Trust (GCT) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).  The terms of the transfer are set out in the following documents and agreements (parties shown in brackets):-

 

.         Deed of Variation to the National Heritage Lottery Grant (NHMF, GCC, GHB and GCT)

 

.         Contract and Transfer of 99-103 Westgate Street Gloucester GL1 2PG, land lying to the south of Westgate Street Gloucester, and 2 Quay Street Gloucester for the sum of £1 (one pound) (GCC to GHB)

 

.         Lease from GCT to GCC of areas of storage within 99-103 Westgate Street for a term of 5 years at an annual rent reflecting the insurance premium payable (GCT and GCC)

 

.         Pre- emption agreement between GHB and GCC for 99-103 Westgate Street (GHB and GCC)

 

.         Deed of Adherence - for the performance of the NHMF Grant Agreement (GCC, GCT, GHB and NHLF)

 

.         Collections Agreement (GCC and GCT)

Alternative options considered:

Delegated authority was restricted to agreeing the terms of the transfer and ancillary documents and these have been subject to thorough and exhaustive discussions between all of the parties since 2017.

 

Publication date: 18/03/2021

Date of decision: 18/03/2021