Purpose

To provide an update on the procurement of the design and build contractor and the development of the project to RIBA stage 3, and to share the progress made with the development of the archive service workstreams.

Decision

(a)      That the progress made during the development phase, (RIBA Stage 3 detailed design), the revised cost plan for the building be noted;

(b)      That it be noted that the project commenced RIBA stage 4 on 15th May to maintain the critical path for the programme, to meet the Heritage Fund’s Delivery phase (RIBA 5-7) funding timescales;

(c)      That the Heritage Fund as part of its project assurance process undertook a Development Phase Review of the project on 21st May 2026, which is a pass/fail funding gateway be noted; and

(d)      That it be noted that if the project passes the Development Phase Review, that a Delivery Phase funding application needs to be submitted by 6th August 2026, for a decision in December 2026.