Cabinet agreed an investment of £8.5 million for a new museum and library for the people of Herefordshire at its meeting on Wednesday 29 June.
Cabinet members agreed to invest £8 million of capital funding for the complete refurbishment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery (HMAG) in Broad Street, and £500,000 to relocate Hereford Library to a renovated Maylord Orchards centre. The funding, which is subject to council decision, will combine with a £8 million bid to Stronger Towns, and a £5 million bid to an alternative fund bringing the total cost of the museum refurbishment to £18 million and the library relocation and renovation to £3.5 million.
A redeveloped HMAG will support the creation of a world-class, energy-efficient, cultural and visitor experience at the heart of Hereford. As well as other treasures, it would be an ideal place in which to showcase the Herefordshire Hoard, which the council is campaigning to bring home for the people of Herefordshire. The new Library and Learning Resource Centre (LLRC) at Maylord Orchards will also provide rentable space for a range of services and organisations, including the council’s adult learning services and health and wellbeing clinics.
Councillor Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, says:
“I’m delighted cabinet members reached agreement on these two significant proposals for Herefordshire. Our investment in cultural services is so important to support local people and adds exciting destinations and support for both residents and tourists. There’s plenty of evidence showing cultural and creative centres attract visitors who go on to spend time in hotels, restaurants and other local venues and we expect the new museum to attract around £2.5 million to the local economy every year. These projects represent good value for money for the people of Herefordshire and put culture at the very heart of our city’s future.”