The Vincent Community Board decided at its recent meeting (2 March) to pause progress on the Clyde Museum Redevelopment project for the time being.

In a Council statement to the media, it states “the board wishes to wait for the district museum strategy, currently in development, to be finalised; and await the outcome of the subsequent investment framework, which will look at what Council will fund in the museum sector and to what level”.

The museum programme of work is a two-step process. 

The first stage includes engaging with the community on the Council’s role in the delivery of the district museum function as part of the upcoming Long-term Plan consultation. 

As part of this initial stage, the sector’s vision, strategic objectives and the actions to deliver on this have been written into a draft strategy document. 

The next will be working through how much ratepayer money is spent on museums, and what level of funding each museum receives. 

The second stage is listed as a priority action for Council to deliver in the draft museum strategy.

Vincent Community Board Chair Martin McPherson said the Board felt it was the best decision to “push pause” on the project.

“It felt a bit like it would be a bit of a cart before horse situation if we weren’t to wait to align any future museum work with the funding framework, which will take a holistic view of our museum sector.”

“The decision means that the tenderers shortlisted for the development of concept plans for the Briar Herb Factory museum site will be informed and put on hold,” a Council statement said. 

“Negotiations will proceed with them at a later date.”

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