Agenda item

To consider the report of the Executive Director, Environment

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director, Environment outlining the achievements at The Monument to the Great Fire of London between April and December 2024, including information on visitor numbers, as well as outlining the proposal to move responsibility for The Monument from the Environment Department (supported by the City Bridge Foundation) to the new Culture Team under the Head of Profession for Culture, requesting approval to delegate authority to the Town Clerk to progress this given the extended pre-election period.

It was noted that updated figures were circulated on Friday 07 February 2025 (with sections 9 and 10 of the cover report having been revised), and that the public-facing website was likewise updated on Friday 07 February 2025.  

Referencing the £252K figure income from admissions and sales in section 9, a Member asked whether a breakdown existed to separate out admissions from sales. The meeting heard that such a breakdown is to be reinstated and reported at the next update during 2025, noting that Tower Bridge does produce such a breakdown. 

On the closures due to staffing shortages, a Member asked whether Tower Bridge had closed due to staff shortages. The meeting was reminded that The Monument closes when Tower Bridge is unable to send permanent staff to The Monument (which cannot be staffed by casual staff due to security issues, among others). The meeting heard that no concrete information is available on whether Tower Bridge has ever had to close due to lack of staff but that it is extremely unlikely that Tower Bridge has ever closed for that reason.

The meeting was reminded that The Monument celebrates its 350^th anniversary in 2027, and a Member sought confirmation that the event would be marked in an appropriate way. Members noted that the event is expected to be celebrated.

Members commented that lunchtime closure of The Monument is unacceptable, adding that volunteers could be asked to support the venue to cover for staff lunch breaks. Noting that two permanent staff members are needed for The Monument (as well as for Keats House) at all times, the meeting noted the logistical difficulties and expense of covering lunch breaks given that requirement. The meeting noted that the staffing structure and model for each of those venues is being reconsidered to mitigate the effects of the lunchtime situation.   

A Member queried whether the figures shown in Appendix 2 were realistic and fair since the venue is popular with visitors, and commented that the entry fee of £6 could be raised given how long the fee has remained at that level. The meeting noted that Monument ticket sales generate a profit for The Monument.

A Member commented that there is merit in selling joint tickets to The Monument and the Billingsgate Roman Baths.

RESOLVED, That the Committee

• Delegate authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and Head of Profession for Culture to progress a transition plan for The Monument to move the responsibilities, leadership and workflows from the Environment Department to a new and enlarged team under the Head of Profession for Culture;
• Delegate authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and Head of Profession for Culture to progress the proposed meanwhile use of The Monument ‘Pavilion’ building; and
• Delegate authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and Head of Profession for Culture to progress the proposal for a new visitor centre for The Monument.