Issue - meetings

To consider the update of the Heritage Services Business Plan 2025-2030.  It covers the five financial years from 2025/26 to 2029/2030 and has been prepared following the annual in-depth review of business activity.

(Note: At this point Cllr Matt McCabe left the meeting having declared a non-registerable interest in this item.)

Cllr Kevin Guy introduced Rob Campbell, Head of Culture and Heritage, and invited him to make a presentation regarding the Heritage Services Business Plan.

The presentation covered the following issues:

·  The vision for the service is to “learn from the past, understand the present and shape the future”.

·  B&NES Heritage Services comprise The Roman Baths, The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Record Office, World Heritage Centre, Clore Learning Centre and the Fashion Museum.

·  The money from tourists is fed directly back to the community in which the tourism occurs.

·  The challenging sector-wide conditions have been met with cost saving and entrepreneurship.

·  Heritage Services will return an approximate surplus of £12m in 2024/25 which is equivalent to £145 per Council Tax household.

·  The service was awarded the “Best of the Best” award in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards in 2024.  This is the highest level Tripadvisor award and means that B&NES is in the top 1% of listings worldwide.

·  The Fashion Museum proposals have been developed into one of the most cultural significant projects in the UK.

·  In 2025/26 challenging market conditions are anticipated but a range of proactive measures will be introduced to give the best opportunity to succeed.

A copy of the presentation slides is attached as an appendix to the minutes.

Cllr Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the amended officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  Cllr Roper highlighted the extensive activities and plans for Heritage Services for the next 5 years.

·  He emphasised the uniqueness and beauty of Bath and North East Somerset, highlighting its two UNESCO World Heritage Classifications.

·  Heritage Services operates as a separate business unit but is owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

·  The Roman Baths attract over one million visitors annually, making it the second most visited payable attraction in the UK after Stonehenge.

·  Visitors significantly contribute to the local economy, with many staying in the city for extended periods.

·  Positive feedback and high ratings on Tripadvisor help maintain a steady flow of visitors.

·  Heritage Services engages in community activities, targeting learning and engagement, and supporting the neediest in the area.

·  The Clore Learning Centre and Victoria Art Gallery offer award-winning learning and engagement activities.

·  The Bath Records Office provides access to a vast archive, with plans to digitize records for greater accessibility.

·  Despite the closure of the Fashion Museum, the collection remains curated and is showcased globally.

·  Plans are underway to establish a new Fashion Museum in the Old Post Office building, a project of international significance.

·  Cllr Roper commended the Heritage Services team for their excellent work and highlighted the Liberal Democrat administration’s ambition and achievements.

Cllr Mark Elliott seconded the motion and made the following points:

·  Heritage Services are a valuable asset to Bath & North East Somerset residents.

·  They demonstrate expertise, business acumen, and creativity.

·  Heritage assets enrich the cultural depth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95