Agenda and minutes

- to receive the report and approve the accompanying policy documents in order that applications for Accreditation can be submitted

Further to Minute No. 156 of a meeting of the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure held on 24^th January 2006, consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service Culture and Leisure which gave details of three applications now prepared for - Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham Art Gallery and the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum - as part of the Authority’s application for the Museums, Galleries & Heritage: Meeting the Accreditation Standard for Museum in the UK.

Applications must be submitted by 31^st July, 2006.

The Museum Accreditation Scheme is the national minimum set of standards for UK museums.  Museums qualify for the Scheme by meeting clear requirements on how they care for and document their collections, how they are governed and managed, and on levels of information and services they offer to their users.

In the 2006-07 financial year, the Service was awarded an increased revenue budget in order to achieve and maintain the Accreditation Standards.

Failure to achieve and maintain Accredited Status would effectively mean that the three museums will no longer be recognised as meeting national standards.

The content of the report detailed:-

• Service Development Plan
• Acquisitions and Disposals Policies for Clifton ParkMuseum & Rotherham ArtGallery and separately for the York & Lancaster Regimental Museum

Resolved:-  (1) That the report be received.

(2)         That the report and policy documents be approved for submission for Accreditation status.

- to approve the guidance notes for the preparation of Lease and Development Agreements for Pithouse West and Rother Valley Country Park

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service Culture & Leisure to assist in discussions with Oak Holdings plc about the Council’s expectations for future management and development of Rother ValleyCountry Park, in the event that control is transferred to them, in accordance with agreed terms for their development of the YES! Project at Pithouse West.

In 2003 the Council entered into a Preferred Developer Agreement (PDA) with Oak Holdings plc for the future development of the Pithouse West site adjacent to RotherValley CountryPark.  The PDA included provision for the developer to take on responsibility for managing Rother Valley Country Park, including the full cost of operating the park, upon the opening to the public of the Pithouse West development.

Following a decision by Government Office not to call in the Planning Application for the development, it is expected that the consent will be granted by Planning Board in the near future.  Oak Holdings are seeking progress towards a Development Agreement for Pithouse West that would take effect upon granting of planning consent.  The PDA states that there should be a separate Lease and Development/Management Agreement for Rother ValleyCountry Park that would take effect when the Pithouse West development opens.  Such an Agreement would establish Oak Holdings’ responsibilities for the future management and operation of Rother ValleyCountry Park.

It is proposed that the report and guidance notes be used by both parties as a framework for developing a Lease and Development/Management Agreement for Rother ValleyCountry Park.

The report set out the Council’s guidelines in respect of:-

• Character of park
• Facilities and activities
• Opening times, access and pricing
• Staffing
• Relationship with other tenants
• Site management principles
• Community Involvement
• Other Matters

Resolved:-  That officers involved in the preparation of Lease and Development Agreements for Pithouse West and RotherValley CountryPark be instructed to ensure that these conform to the expectations set out in the report and guidance notes, now submitted.