As a member of the Scrutiny Committee that is looking at the proposed Cultural Quarter I spent some three hours in the Minster on Tuesday at the "Drop in Session" for members of the public to give their views and learn more about the proposal. In reality the proposal is intended to improve visitor experience when visiting any of the participants within the quarter.
The name "The Cultural Quarter" is a bit of a problem and in many ways I think it is the wrong name and it gives the wrong impression, but what is more important is the reason for the "Quarter" rather than the name!!
Those participating are the National Railway Museum, The Museum Trust - The Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens and Art Gallery, The Library, The Theatre and The Minster. The developers who will ultimately develop St Leonards will also be involved.
The purpose of the Quarter is to enable all to speak with one voice and hopefully attract the necessary funding that these locations need to improve, expand and re-furbish. A big aspiration is for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to be built over the river linking the National Railway Museum with Museum Gardens.
It is envisaged that with the exception of the Library improvement,all other the funding will come from external funding streams. Such funding of course would be for a specific use.
Remember these are early days and it may take a number of years to come to full fruition but at least a vision is being created and discussed, which is not before time, the City Council is sadly lacking in "Tangible Vision"
The name "The Cultural Quarter" is a bit of a problem and in many ways I think it is the wrong name and it gives the wrong impression, but what is more important is the reason for the "Quarter" rather than the name!!
Those participating are the National Railway Museum, The Museum Trust - The Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens and Art Gallery, The Library, The Theatre and The Minster. The developers who will ultimately develop St Leonards will also be involved.
The purpose of the Quarter is to enable all to speak with one voice and hopefully attract the necessary funding that these locations need to improve, expand and re-furbish. A big aspiration is for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to be built over the river linking the National Railway Museum with Museum Gardens.
It is envisaged that with the exception of the Library improvement,all other the funding will come from external funding streams. Such funding of course would be for a specific use.
Remember these are early days and it may take a number of years to come to full fruition but at least a vision is being created and discussed, which is not before time, the City Council is sadly lacking in "Tangible Vision"
Has the Council thought of including members of the public in this scheme - I have little doubt that "Joe Public" will p rovide the necessary vision.
Wahat about a title on the lines of "The Advancement of City Culture"?.
Perhaps as for Council Tax opinion the Council should send out a 'Return Circular' to the Council Tax payer with the next Ward information leaflet?