Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from the Joint Archives Advisory Board meeting held on 1 March 2018.

The Committee considered a recommendation from the Joint Archives Advisory Board at its meeting held on 1 March 2019 on the Dorset History Centre capital project.

As the original accommodation neared the end of its operation life it was explained that there was a need to look at options jointly with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council regarding capital bids, and there was a need for work to continue to arrive at a definitive position as the most logical and pragmatic way forward.

It was recognised that as part of the overall context of the service there would be a business plan in relation to the Heritage Lottery Fund bid and that it would help to frame future service delivery and objectives.

The future archiving landscape was discussed with a clear need for digitisation to support preservation of information, together with complementing the physical storage of items of historic importance for the residents of Dorset. There was also an opportunity to look at future service delivery as income generating that could be offered to other organisations.

In addition, appreciation was shared by members regarding the commitment and value of volunteers who spent their time supporting the service.

Decision

That as a matter of urgency after 1 April 2019, a report be considered by the Dorset Council Cabinet on this capital project, bearing in mind the urgent need for additional space.