Agenda item

To receive a presentation on progress at Keats House during 2023/24.

The Committee viewed a presentation on the progress at Keats House (KH) for the year up to April 2024 that included information on the ‘Young Romantics in the City’ exhibition entirely funded (together with a successful events programme) by Cardiff University as well as the wider events programme

including live-interpretation, creative writing workshops, nature painting workshops, and poetry readings.

On the transition from Culture Mile learning to Education Strategy Unit funding for special projects, the meeting noted that KH was involved in several projects including the Word on the Street (with LMA as a lead partner) and Poetry vs Colonialism, also Culturally Speaking and Young City Poets, both with a range of cultural partner venues and outputs, including online.

Members also viewed images of KH partnership work with the Hampstead Summer Festival, and noted the volunteer engagement.

Members viewed images of the consented new visitor entrance along with proposals for the new boundary wall.

Members noted that the latter has not yet been submitted for planning and listed building consent because elements of the KH proposal was (unexpectedly) not supported by the conservation officer, and the Committee noted that the support of other entities such as English Heritage and Historic England would be sought ahead of subsequent submissions. A Member noted that some elements which had been removed from the design to meet the conservation officers concerns should be considered for reinstatement, due to the unique character of the site.

RESOLVED, That Members agree to engage Historic England with the process, and that the proposed designs be circulated to key local stakeholders ahead of a further planning proposal to London Borough of Camden backed by support where relevant.