Agenda item

5.1

Loveday Herridge from Sheffield Visual Arts Group asked the following question:

5.2

In the absence of a Cultural Strategy for Sheffield, we rely on the Culture Collective's strategy document relating to Culture, which was adopted by the Council. This said, A commitment has been made that in 2021, plans and next steps for the redevelopment of Graves Gallery and Central Library will be agreed in recognition of the huge amount of work that has been undertaken to date and the identification of this project as a priority for Sheffield City Council. Museums Sheffield and Sheffield Libraries and Archives Service have developed outline visions for the gallery and the library. Graves Gallery will be nationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading art museums, renowned for exhibitions, displays, events and an approach that makes visitors feel connected and valued in a space where they have the opportunity to think, create and connect. The Central Library will be a destination not only for the people of Sheffield but also for visitors, providing world class reading resources, digitally enabled flexible spaces and a place where learning, exploration and creation is available to all. The opportunity will be taken to refine and progress the vision for this building and the services currently based within it and to position its redevelopment as a catalyst for the transformation of Sheffield city centre.

Now that it is clear that the Surrey Street building is actually crumbling, what reassurance can the Committee give that these commitments will be maintained?'

5.3

The Chair responded that:

The Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee adopted the Culture Collective Strategy at its September meeting in 2022 and endorsed the priorities within it.  This includes, working with partners to progress the future redevelopment of Graves Gallery and the Central Library.

There has been a delay in the development of plans for the building due to Covid pressures, a change in the economic environment and budget pressures.  However, the Accommodation Review underway is supporting a condition review and an assessment of the necessary investment.  Alongside this, the Culture Collective, Museums Sheffield and Sheffield City Council are progressing the options work on the future vision for the building.  Resources have been made available to undertake this visioning and feasibility work on the potential opportunity of the Graves Gallery.