Decision details

A report setting out the planned approach as a result of finding remains of King Richard III, during an excavation at Grey Friars.

(1)   Confirm the visitor attraction design and layout as part of the submission of the planning application and any listed building consent application requirements.

(2)   Note the visitor attraction business plan and the revenue income and expenditure projections.

(3)   Approve a capital budget for the development of the attraction of £3.985m, to be funded from savings in insurance costs and other spending reductions; and monies already earmarked within the capital programme regeneration provisions, as set out in the financial implications section; and add the scheme to the approved capital programme.

(4)   Approve the appointment of Morgan Sindall through the SCAPE EMPA framework for the construction contract.

(5)   Note the requirement to procure a specialist exhibition fit out contractor.

(6)   Approve further work and the engagement of specialist advice on the operating model options, at an estimated cost of up to £30,000 funded from the City Development and Neighbourhoods budget or reserves.

(7)  Approve a budget of £10,000 from the capital programme regeneration provisions for remedial works to the frontage of 6-8 St Martins.

The purpose of this report is to:

• Provide details of the business plan and projected visitor numbers for the proposed visitor attraction.
• Provide details on the proposed operating model, and to seek approval to procure specific expert advice on the option for a trust model.
• Provide details of the capital budget requirements for the King Richard III visitor attraction and to seek a decision on funding.
• Seek a decision on the award of the construction contract.
• Confirm the visitor attraction design and layout and as part of the submission of a planning application.
• Seek approval to commission external repairs to the frontage of 6-8 St Martins.

Option 1.

To take forward a proposal to develop a King Richard III visitor attraction in the former Alderman Newton school, to incorporate within the visitor centre the grave site to create a complete visitor experience.  Seek to complete the visitor attraction by Spring 2014 to coincide with the re- interment ceremony in Leicester Cathedral thereby maximising the benefit of this unique opportunity to attract visitors to the City, and the potential economic benefits this also brings.

Option 2.

To continue to operate the temporary visitor attraction within the Guildhall, and allow occasional managed access to the grave site at Grey Friars.

Option 3.

To take no action. Allowing the temporary Richard III exhibition to close following the re-interment ceremony.