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NRM+ cancelled after funding refused

BY CLIFF THOMAS

THE NRM learned on April 11 that its £7million Regional Growth Fund bid to finance the York museums flagship ‘NRM+’ project had failed. Days later NRM Director, Steve Davies, issued a statement confirming Ian Blatchford (Director of NMSI), the NMSI Board of Trustees and he, “now share the view that NRM+ as a cohesive project is no longer viable and will therefore be cancelled”.

Mr Davies admits the £7million RGF bid, “was always a long-shot”. It was made to compensate for the loss of two blocks of £5million from Yorkshire Forward and DCMS. Two years ago the NRM secured a Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 1 pass and although already well past the deadline for proceeding to the second stage of its application, tentative agreement had been reached with the HLF that the NRM’s bid would increase from £7million to £10million. This £3million increase plus the RGF £7million would have closed the funding gap to deliver the £21million NRM+ project. “The prognosis is that there is absolutely no chance in the current climate of us closing the significant funding gap we now face,” Steve Davies confirmed. “We will now consider our options.”

Considerable work has been expended on developing the NRM+ project including acquisition and restoration of exhibits in anticipation of delivering the project. Work has already commenced on redeveloping the Museum’s City entrance and shop and refurbishment of Station Hall. The future of the Great Hall exhibition area will now clearly have to be reconsidered.

Full story and the very latest comment on the decision in the June-dated issue, on sale May 4.