Wareham Town Council votes to progress plans for new Museum and Tourism Centre after positive response in public consultation
Following the announcement of a new project to transform the old Natwest Bank building into a new town museum and tourism centre in Wareham, the town council offered local residents a chance to air their views. The public consultation took place over the summer, closing on the 19th August. (Read our previous article about the project for more details).
Result of Public Consultation
There were two questions:-
1. Do you support the Town Council purchasing 2 North Street to create a purpose renovated museum and tourist information centre?
2. Would you support the purchase if it required a one-off town council tax precept increase of around £50.00 per household to cover the loan repayment?
A total of 252 residents responded, and in regards to question one, 68.5% agreed in support, and for question two, 54.76% agreed in support.
This positive support meant that in theory a Public Works Loan for the project could be applied for.
Full Council Meeting on 26 August
Vote to progress project
The Town Council voted in favour of progressing plans to purchase 2 North Street as the future home of the Town Museum.
Following a detailed discussion and review of the public consultation, councillors carefully considered the long term value of the project, financial implications, and how best to deliver value for local taxpayers. The proposed funding would come via a Public Works Board loan, which allows local authorities to borrow at favourable rates for community projects
The council has now formally resolved to seek approval from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to apply for a £750,000 loan, repayable over 20 years. This funding would support the purchase of the building and supporting infrastructure.
