It seems that despite fears that the project to outsource Lydiard Park and House to a dedicated local team by Swindon Borough Council was back on the starting blocks, both sides of the consultation process have found a way to move the project forward. Many of the points already agreed upon remain in place but with overall responsibility appearing to remain within the SBC.
What follows is the joint press release just issued by the Lydiard Park and House Trust and Swindon Borough Council and a list of the agreed outline and responsibilities.
Following the Council’s decision, based on legal advice, to abandon the Lydiard Park outsourcing process, Cllr Keith Williams has been appointed as the new Cabinet Member responsible for the House and Park.
Cllr Williams commented:
“But for the legal advice, the Council had intended to complete an arrangement with the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust as the preferred bidder. I’m pleased to say that, after a difficult few days, the Trust and I are working together on a professional and constructive basis to address both the short and long-term issues at Lydiard”.
Mike Bowden, Chairman of the Trust, said:
“The Trust’s primary focus has been and remains the safeguarding of Lydiard for the people of Swindon and future generations. Despite recent events we remain keen to work with SBC and we welcome Cllr Williams’ appointment. We are optimistic that working sensibly together we can find an appropriate structure or arrangement which will provide a long-term sustainable future for the house and park”.
Cllr Williams and Mr Bowden added: “We are pleased to say that agreement has been reached under which:
1. Swindon Borough Council will use their very best endeavours to ensure the Lydiard Conference Centre remains fully operational under the management of Swindon Borough Council from the day the current tenants Chartridge leave
2. The Council will work within the set of red lines attached to this joint press release
3. The maintenance and repair works agreed by our respective surveyors will be undertaken by the Council within two years, with the first phase of works being completed this year
4. All revenue generated within the Lydiard Park estate (which includes the House, museum, Conference Centre, park, retail outlets etc.) will be ring-fenced and any surplus re-invested back into the estate
LPHT and SBC agreed red lines which shall not be crossed
1. Any arrangement that would cause harm or loss to the significance and historical importance of Lydiard House and Park
2. Any situation that involves the closure or a reduction in free access to the Park and grounds by the general public
3. Any situation that involves the closure or a reduction in access to the Lydiard House Museum and Walled Garden by the general public
4. Any destruction of the historic landscape and structures within the Park which were restored as part of the £5.1m Heritage Lottery Fund Project
5. Any arrangement which would harm, disperse, or sell any part of the historic Lydiard House Museum collections, including such items as paintings, artefacts, archives, and furnishings
6. Any arrangement that does not address the on-going maintenance and repair of the House and Park
7. Any arrangement that would involve the sale or any additional (as of the date of this press release) sub-letting of Lydiard House, Park and Museum
8. Any arrangement that significantly contradicts the long term plans for Lydiard Park submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2005
9. Any arrangement or outcome that results in the construction of, or planning application for, an hotel or any other substantial building, multi-story or otherwise, on land within the Grade II Listed Lydiard Park or its essential setting, as defined in the Heritage Lottery Fund documentation
