Issue - meetings
The Storey: Update Report
Meeting: 02/09/2014 - Cabinet (Item 34)
34 The Storey: Update Report 
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(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)
Report of Chief Officer (Resources)
Minutes:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)
Annie Watson, Chair of Friends of Storey Gardens, Rachel-Ann Powers and Sue Widdon who had registered to speak in accordance with the City Council’s agreed procedure and Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7 addressed the meeting on this item and responded to questions from Cabinet Members.
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) to provide a general update on the operation of the Storey and seek direction on the future of the remaining Storey Gardens artwork.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
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Option 1: Seek to restore the artwork |
Option 2: Remove / no longer recognise the art work in its physical form in the garden, supporting a master planning approach. |
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Advantages |
If the artwork was restored and resources provided to market it and maintain it an installation by an artist of international repute may attract additional tourism to the area.
It may be possible to secure funding to restore the art work. As an example The Henry Moore Foundation may be interested.
(If restored it would be possible to recast the sculptures in resin which would deter thieves, but not vandals).
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The removal of the artwork would free up the second garden for wider development. Suggestions are on the line of a secret garden where people can meet, eat lunch, show temporary artworks, nature areas, etc.
This is a sustainable option with no additional cost to the council. It is not envisioned there would be any additional cost charged direct to the Council for removing the artwork. The healthy trees will remain.
Consistent with the overall vision for the Storey.
Whilst initial consultation has shown an interest in artwork within the garden, this could be addressed with temporary / seasonal pieces to work. (which is preferred by some on the consultation responses) |
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Disadvantages |
Requires one -off funding to refurbish the artwork, which would need to be considered during the budget. The cost is estimated at between £30,000 – £50,000. Could impact therefore on other arts support.
All restoration and alterations would need to be in agreement with the artist for it to remain as his work.
A reduced artwork would not be acceptable.
It is estimated an additional £250 per annum would be required to maintain the restored artwork, excluding any required tree work. (The Friends group have already indicated that they would not be interested in maintaining the artwork on the Council’s behalf as they have little interest in it remaining).
It takes up most of the garden area, only leaving the border to be developed. There is limited development opportunity in the other garden.
The existence of artwork is not widely known or promoted. |
Final end of an already defunct / dilapidated piece of artwork.
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Risks |
Funding is not secured.
Restoration conflicts with the majority of the Friends group who then may lose ownership become disinterested and disband – this will have an impact on the ... view the full minutes text for item 34 |