Decision details

To consider and recommend proposals for large scale public art projects.

Matter for Decision

In October 2015, it was reported to the Community Services Scrutiny Committee that new large scale public art projects would be developed and further details presented back to the Committee in 2016.

 

The Officer’s report set out the proposed development principles and process for a new public art commission to promote and celebrate the story of the River Cam; including exploring its relationship to the foundation of Cambridge as a city, its ecology and also its social history.

 

The principal aim of the project is also to promote the use of the river and its environs; to understand its heritage, and encourage social engagement and leisure activities to the wider residents of and visitors to Cambridge.

 

The indicative budget for the project is up to £550,000, funded from currently £450,000 of strategic public art developer contributions (which cannot be spent on anything other than off-site public art, and must be spent within a limited timescale), and external grant applications.

 

The Officer’s report set out the intended process to achieve a high quality programme of public art projects for Cambridge.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places

Approved the development, implementation and completion of programme of public art projects for the River Cam with a maximum combined budget of up to £550,000 to be funded in part by Public Art Developer Contributions subject to Capital Programme Board and final project appraisal.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Streets and Open Spaces Development Manager. He withdrew the original recommendation and tabled a revised one (new text in bold):

 

To approve the development, implementation and completion of programme of public art projects for the River Cam with a maximum combined budget of up to £550,000 to be funded in part by Public Art Developer Contributions subject to Capital Programme Board and final project appraisal.

 

The Streets and Open Spaces Development Manager made these changes as the spend or authority to spend at Project Appraisal will need Community Services Scrutiny Committee sign off as the spend would be over £300,000.

 

The Committee supported the aims of the report.

 

In response to Members’ questions the Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places said the following:

       i.          When the report came back to committee for sign off, it could include details of which areas/wards of the city the S106 public art allocations came from.

     ii.          The intention was to engage communities in the public art project

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.