Cllr Derek Jarvis, the councillor responsible for Culture, has rebuffed comments from pressure group SKIPP which claim that the new Southend museum plans are ‘pie-in-the-sky.’
SKIPP claims that the museum will cost £50 million, rather than the Council’s estimate of £35 million, and that Southend Council will never be able to obtain the additional £25 million it needs to fund the project.
Cllr Jarvis told Councilbust.com: “Sadly this is a litany of half-truths and small minded thoughts based on little if any facts.
“All SKIPP appear to wish to achieve is damaging the Town’s opportunity to provide a quality Museum.
“We have tried on several occasions to explain to them our commitment to delivering this project but they seem unable to see the merits of the New Museum and Gallery in its Cliffs location.
“We are now at the Planning Application stage for full Planning permission and the Architects AEW are located in the town at an office close to the site in the arches adjacent to the Pier, open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30 am to 5pm to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about the scheme and contribute ideas.
“Hence we announced this to the media. SKIPP are well aware that the funding process must follow on from this point based on a successful full planning permission application which AEW will make later this year.
“Other towns and cities see the value and importance of museums. Southampton is working on a £35m project, much of which will be externally funded.
“AEW, the architects employed to develop the design of Southend’s Museum, are completing a £70m Liverpool Museum. Are we not worthy enough to aspire to a project in Southend?
“The support of the community will be important to potential funders and will assist in drawing finance to support the scheme.
“It is a nonsense for SKIPP to fight to protect Priory Park when they are proposing a ‘Saxon Village’ (hardly a unique attraction) in one of the best loved and used parks in the town.
“Priory Park is held in Trust for the town’s enjoyment. The importance of the Prittlewell Prince finds is such that it will attract thousands of visitors, which would effectively create a car park and destroy the nature of the park we currently know and enjoy.
“Three-quarters of the small parks depot is designated as a scheduled ancient monument and any developments would need to meet English Heritage’s approval, safeguard the importance of the park and satisfy the Charity Commission that the objectives of the charitable trust are being met; SKIPP’s proposals are not a practical solution.
“It would be helpful if SKIPP could recognise that the Council’s objectives are to provide a fitting place to exhibit the Prittlewell Prince Finds within a museum that can provide the complete history of Southend and the importance of Thames.
“This should be our common cause and constructive support would be welcome from SKIPP.”
