Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the successful award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) of a Stage 2 Application for Eastgate House, and seeks formal approval to add the scheme to the Capital Programme.

Discussion:

This report provided an update on the successful award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) of a Stage 2 Application for Eastgate House, and sough formal approval to add the scheme to the Capital Programme. It was noted that the Council had been awarded £1,280,000 by the HLF, and details of the full project/funding costs were set out in paragraph 7.1 of the report.

Councillor Doe, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, supported by Councillor Jarrett, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Deputy Leader, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council agreed to add Eastgate House HLF Project to the Council’s Capital Programme, and to approve the Prudential Borrowing as set out in paragraph 7.1 of the report.

Background:

This report provided details of the successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a stage 2 application for Eastgate House, Rochester. The Council had been awarded £1.28 million from the HLF towards the £2.156 million project and the report detailed the remaining funding sources, including the Council’s Capital Programme including prudential borrowing.

The aim of the scheme, a key project within the Council’s Cultural Strategy and Council Plan, was to conserve Eastgate House and open it up as a distinctive, valued and vibrant community resource for Medway and its visitors. When completed, the project will transform access to and visitors’ experience of this local landmark and create a sustainable future.

A Diversity Impact Assessment screening was undertaken on the proposals, as set out in appendix 1 to the report. This indicated that a full assessment was not required.

Reasons:

Eastgate House is a key project within the Council’s Cultural Strategy and Council Plan.  The HLF Stage 2 Grant Award provides a unique opportunity to deliver the Eastgate House project that will result in the creation of a key visitor attraction and safeguards an important Grade I Listed building.