Further to minute 133 (10 March 2011), the Director of Technical Services presented the Wirral Museums Service Forward Plan for 2011-2016, which had been subject to a consultation process involving consideration by focus groups of stakeholders, existing/potential partners, schools and the Museums Service staff team. The outcomes of the consultation had informed the re-writing of the document and he outlined its core and strategic aims. The disposal process of a number of sites was ongoing and a tender process was being undertaken to find a new operator for Wirral Transport Museum, the Heritage Tramway and Pacific Road Arts Centre. Until the tender process was complete the Museums Service was responsible for Wirral Transport Museum and the Heritage Tramway, including staff. The lease on Shore Road Pumping Station, housing the Grasshopper pump, had been returned to Network Rail and the building was no longer open to the public. No decision had been made about the disposal or future of Egerton Bridge, although it was no longer a functioning visitor attraction and was currently secured against vandalism. He commented also that the Council’s Asset Management team were developing alternative uses within Council ownership for the former Wirral Museum at Birkenhead Town Hall.

Consequently, the Museums Service was being restructured, centred on the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum and Birkenhead Priory, both of which were Accredited Museums under the current Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) Museum Accreditation Scheme. He indicated that the service offered by the Museums Service, now and in the future, was governed by the requirements of the Museums Accreditation Scheme. Although the present scheme was under review, following the demise of the MLA nationally, the Director expected that Wirral Museums Service would aspire to retain Accredited Museum status.

Resolved –

(1)  That the Museums Service Forward Plan for 2011-2016 be adopted.

(2)  That a restructure of the staffing of the Museums Service be carried out as soon as possible to support the implementation of the adopted Plan.