Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Profession (Culture).

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Profession (Culture) setting out the recommendations of the City Arts Initiative (CAI) that met on 3 October 2024, during which the CAI considered the following two proposals:

1. Court Building, Fleet Street Salisbury Square Development Artworks;

2. Bowyers Hall Blue Plaque Recommendation(s).

Members noted that the final text and poetry selection for the ground floor granite panels, integrated lighting and alternative interpretations will be brought back to the Committee for approval, and that the designs will also go through the planning process as well as the Capital Buildings Board (CBB) for final sign-off.

The Committee commended the panel for the good work completed.

Referencing section 7, the Committee noted (in response to a Member question) that any copyright issues would be dealt with at CBB level.

A Member commented that the original Blue Plaque application was in 2016, and asked whether any of the delay could be attributed to the Corporation. The meeting heard that the resources available to process such matters were not currently matched to the volume of work, and that the lack of resources is being closely examined.

RESOLVED, That the Committee approve:

1.     The artist concept and designs for the new court building at the Salisbury Square development; and

2.     The Bowyers Hall Blue Plaque (subject to any necessary additional permissions gained from Environmental Health, Planning, and Highways).