The Executive Decision meeting of Waltham Forest Council on Wednesday 24 July 2024 was scheduled to discuss the procurement of a main contractor for the revitalisation of Vestry House Museum. This project aims to transform the museum into a more accessible and commercially viable cultural asset.

Vestry House Museum Revitalisation Project - Main Contractor Procurement

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the procurement of a main contractor for the capital works associated with the Vestry House Museum Revitalisation Project. Vestry House Museum, a Grade II listed building dating from 1730, is described as a valued cultural asset in Walthamstow Village. However, the report pack indicated that it is currently under-utilised, with minimal social impact and a poor return on investment.

The project has secured £3.68 million from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and an additional £800,000 in match funding, bringing the total budget to £4.48 million. The revitalisation aims to deliver a more accessible building, improve its overall attraction, and incorporate sustainability initiatives in line with the Council's net-zero carbon targets.

Key proposals for the project include:

• Relocating the Local Studies Library and Archives (LSLA) from the first floor of Vestry House Museum to the ground floor of Chingford Assembly Hall, making it more accessible.
• Updating museum exhibitions and displays to attract a more diverse audience.
• Introducing operational changes to increase income generation, such as rentable workspaces and a refurbished multi-use event space and café.
• Improving accessibility, including the installation of a platform lift to make parts of the first floor more accessible.
• Enhancing environmental and energy efficiency, contributing to the Council's ambition to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.

The report pack recommended that the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Strategic Director of Resources, approve the commencement of the procurement of the main contractor for these capital works.

The report detailed various procurement route options considered, including Traditional versus Design and Build, Single Stage versus Two Stage, and Framework versus Open Tender. It was noted that a Traditional procurement route was selected due to the heritage nature of the buildings and the preference to retain control over design and development, aiming for a greater level of competitive tendering. The project is planned to commence construction in January 2025, with practical completion in November 2025, and the museum is scheduled to re-open in early 2026.

The report also outlined the project's alignment with Council strategic priorities, including the Destinations Business Plan, Mission Waltham Forest, the 15-minute cultural neighbourhood concept, and the Waltham Forest Climate Action Plan. Extensive community engagement had taken place, involving local organisations, schools, heritage societies, and resident groups, including the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) and the Local History Group (LHG).

Financial implications highlighted the potential for a greater return on investment and optimised income generation. The report noted that if match funding is not secured from external sources, the £800,000 contribution would need to be met from Capital Contingency, incurring borrowing costs. Legal implications referenced powers under various Acts, including the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 and the Localism Act 2011, to undertake such a project.

An Equality Analysis Screening was conducted, which concluded that the revitalisation of Vestry House Museum would have no negative or adverse impact on any protected characteristic groups. Instead, it was anticipated to have positive impacts by increasing accessibility and engagement for a wider range of residents. The report indicated that a full Equality Analysis was not deemed necessary. Sustainability considerations included environmental improvements and measures to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste during construction, as well as promoting sustainable transport. The project also aimed to improve public safety and tackle anti-social behaviour through highway improvements, CCTV, and lighting.