Decision details

1.         In line with proposals outlined in the 2020/21 Budget, that the Cabinet agreed to support the creation of a Community and Cultural Hub in Waltham Abbey as part of phase 1 of the regeneration of the Town Centre. This would be achieved by combining Epping Forest District Museum (39-41 Sun Street) with Waltham Abbey Library (37 Sun Street), subject to Essex County Council contributions and statutory agreements; this would strengthen the community hub approach to service delivery currently being created with the Civic Office at its heart;

2.         The Cabinet noted the bid for £1,540,000 for the 2021/22 budget to undertake the light refurbishment specifications, and that this included a 10% contingency for any unexpected costs.

3.         The Cabinet agreed that officers be authorised to further explore the operational and management model for the hub with Essex County Council and associated service level agreement between EFDC and ECC for operation of the hub; and

4.         That officers undertake further work as to the financing and completion of the project, noting that required resources were included in the current 2021/22 Budget Assumptions to meet any set-up costs and the borrowing costs that support the proposed capital expenditure.