Cabinet to discuss mac building redevelopment
Funding to dramatically improve the outdated home of two of the city’s major arts organisations will be debated at Cabinet on 27th November.
Cabinet members will be asked to approve new City Council financial support of £2.951m that will part fund a £12.8m project to redevelop the mac and Sampad’s tired building in Cannon Hill Park.
If given the go-ahead, the funding will be added to the £3.264m previously agreed provision in the City Council’s Capital Plan for a redevelopment project for the building which had to be altered due to a shortfall of funding from other sources.
The City Council’s endorsement will be subject to the subsequent approval of a full business case for the project and a £5.475m commitment from Arts Council England, which they are due to consider on 28th November.
The redevelopment plan includes, after partial demolition, a new three-storey core through the centre of the existing building as well as major improvements to facilities such as disabled access, more exhibition spaces, a new ticket office, pedestrian bridge and entrance and two major new studios for media and school work.
Cllr Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said: “This wonderful project will bring with it vital improvements to a very tired building and will offer a base for further development of two of the City Council’s successful major arts clients. I have no doubt that the plans will greatly enhance not only the building, but also Cannon Hill Park – both of which are extremely well used by residents and visitors alike.”
If funding is approved by Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England, the project will begin in spring 2008 and will be due for completion in autumn 2009.
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