To receive a presentation by General Eeles on the Royal Artillery Museum Project.
Minutes:
The Chairman introduced General Eeles who was to give a presentation on the Royal Artillery (RA) Museum Project.
The RA Collection (established 1778) embodied the stories of the Regiment, their men and women, and the evolution of artillery technology. It was one of the most important collections in the British Army and was one of only three Army collections designated by Arts Council England for its national importance. The collection was currently in storage or out on loan. A home was needed for the collection and the museum would add to the tourism offer of the area once complete.
Proposed themes for the museum included the Evolution of Artillery, the Royal Regiment of Artillery and Army on the Salisbury Plain.
It was hoped the project would be delivered quickly and would have a new approach. Including:
· It must deliver a financially sustainable business which can secure the future of the RA Collection;
· The initial capital build must be financially realistic – i.e. deliverable by the Regiment with limited external support.
· The site must be available, have easy access to the A303, utilities connections, and be outside the “red flag” area.
· The site must be free of designated archaeological and ecological assets.
· Subsequent development should be delivered as funds permit but must not be a prerequisite for financial sustainability.
It had been hard to find a site; however, the Army had made a positive decision on Avon Camp West in summer 2019. The Regiment had also made a positive decision and commitment of funding. SWLEP support had been re-confirmed. The Initial Capital Project site layout and building design had been confirmed. However, enhanced programme funding had not yet been addressed. The initial cost of the project was around £8 million.
The project was based around a cost-efficient steel frame building which would house a large proportion of the collection. There would be a two-year construction and preparation period. The building would contain large exhibition spaces, galleries, a medal room as well as conference/meeting rooms and space for corporate or regimental dinners surrounded by iconic equipment. There would be stimulating science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and history education offer. The would also be emphasis on activities and immersive interpretation, to include:
· WW1 Trench Experience.
· Contemporary Forward Operating Base.
· Armoured vehicle rides and artillery firing (blank).
· Gunner themed Children’s Play Area.
· Arena for re-enactments, displays and 2 or 3 major events (e.g. Artilleryfest).
There would also be:
· RSA training support function.
· Future capability displays – industry linked.
· Workshop for restoration and conservation of artefacts.
· Gallery and cafe with spectacular views over Salisbury Plain.
· Possibly other Larkhill Garrison amenities.
The building was designed to reduce its visual impact on the site. Slides were shown with plans and designs. There was a viewing platform for 360-degree views of Salisbury plain.
Projected visitor numbers were explained, and benefits of the projected were detailed, to include:
· Local employment – build period, permanent and seasonal
· Volunteering opportunities
· Outreach programmes for isolated populations
· Local economy spend: pub, B&Bs, shop, grounds maintenance
· Community Hub: cafe (local produce) and play-park
· Schools education programmes
· Local events space and exhibitions
· Local military history interpreted
· Civil-Military Integration centre
· Potential to improve bus services, cycle and walking routes
· Conference, entertaining and lecture facilities
Lease negotiations were underway with DIO. It was hoped that they would submit the planning application in February 2020. Then the detailed design would be finalised and the build put out to tender. If all went well the build would commence in Summer/Autumn 2020 with the museum opening in early 2022.
Figheldean Parish Council stated they were waiting for the plans to come out and were not sure whether they would be supporting the application until they had consulted residents. There were concerns regarding increased traffic on the A345.
General Eeles responded that as many issues as possible had been addressed while developing the plans. Part of the planning process would include an impact assessment on the A345.
Netheraven Parish Council were also waiting for the planning application to come in before they commented.
The Chairman thanked General Eeles for his presentation.