Issue - meetings

This report asks members to consider Brent’s Museum and Archives Strategy. The strategy was produced following a comprehensive consultation process and sets out a framework and action plan for evolving the service to meet the needs of a wider audience.

(i)      that the findings of the Museum and Archives Strategy be noted and agreement be given to its vision that: “Brent’s museum and archives are here for everyone; a window into the history of Brent, its people and places. We will use these unique resources to create opportunities, improve lives and create stronger communities”;

(ii)        that the three interlinked objectives which have been formed to deliver the vision of the Strategy as set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report be agreed;

(iii)    that agreement be given to the action plan to deliver the Museum and Archives Strategy as set out in Appendix 3 to the report;

(iv)    that the content of the Equality Impact Assessment as set out in Appendix 4 to this report be noted.

The report before the Cabinet presented for consideration the Brent Museum and Archives Strategy produced following a comprehensive consultation process. The report set out a framework and action plan for evolving the service to meet the needs of a wider audience. Councillor Denselow (Lead Member, Stronger Communities) supported the vision of the strategy which he said was a unique opportunity and he was pleased that the council would be one of the few in London that had a local museum. The council would be working in partnership with the voluntary sector and the facility would seek to appeal to the whole borough. Councillor Denselow reported that the community looked forward to the prospect of the rebranded museum space and archives search room in the Library at Willesden Green.

With the consent of the Chair, Councillor Warren addressed the meeting and spoke in support of maintaining traditional access to the archives. Councillor Denselow responded that existing users would be welcomed however efforts would be made to attract young people as they were the users of the future. Cabinet members expressed support for the strategy and the sustainable opportunity to showcase the borough’s history and heritage with the new Library at Willesden Green. Members also paid tribute to the Wembley Library at the Civic Centre which demonstrated the transformation from old to new use of space, with many activities in conjunction with partners.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the findings of the Museum and Archives Strategy be noted and agreement be given to its vision that: “Brent’s museum and archives are here for everyone; a window into the history of Brent, its people and places. We will use these unique resources to create opportunities, improve lives and create stronger communities”;

(ii)        that the three interlinked objectives which have been formed to deliver the vision of the Strategy as set out in paragraph 3.15 of the report be agreed;

(iii)       that agreement be given to the action plan to deliver the Museum and Archives Strategy as set out in Appendix 3 to the report;

(iv)       that the content of the Equality Impact Assessment as set out in Appendix 4 to the report be noted.