Agenda item

Report of the Commissioner.

The Board received a report of the Commissioner which provided an update on the City of London Police Museum.

The Board were informed of a number of competing demands with regard to the occupation of the Guildhall complex noting that if there were decisions of prioritisation these would need to be taken by the Operational Property and Projects Sub-Committee.

The Chair observed that the previous site of the Museum was used as part of the City of London Corporation’s response to COVID but on the clear understanding that it would be reinstated when practicable. The Board discussed various possible sites for the Museum and highlighted the contribution that the Museum could make to the aims of Destination City.

Members expressed concern that the full background details of the project had not been adequately outlined in the report. Following clarification of the current context of the Museum reinstatement the Board agreed to return the Museum to the original site on a temporary basis whilst options for a more permanent site were assessed. A Member commented that if the commitment to reinstate the Museum had been made by the Corporation then the City of London Police should not be charged for this. It was added that if the operational costs for the Museum were to come from the Force’s budget then the Police Authority Board should be the body holding responsibility for it, with this appropriately reflected in its terms of reference.

The Board commented that the Museum, once reinstated, would be asset to the strategic aims of Destination City.

Following a Board member’s suggestion it was agreed that a full business case be prepared for the Museum to appropriately explore options for maximising its potential as a cultural asset.

RESOLVED- That the Board agreed to return the City of London Police Museum to the original site on a temporary basis whilst options for a more permanent site were assessed.