Trust seeks to hand Scarborough’s museums back to council

The independent trust that runs Scarborough’s museums and galleries has asked North Yorkshire Council to consider taking the service back in-house.

Scarborough Museums Creative and Cultural Trust (SMCCT) has overseen the day-to-day management of Scarborough Art Gallery, Rotunda Museum and Woodend Gallery and Studios since 2005. The museums and their collections are owned by the council.

In a statement this week, the trust asked the council to explore the option of bringing the service back under local authority management due to “economic pressures”.

It is estimated that the move could provide annual savings of more than £50,000, with support service and management costs reduced.

The proposal would see the day-to-day running and management of Scarborough’s museums and galleries transferred in-house and incorporated into the council’s wider culture and archives service.

The council already runs museums and galleries in Harrogate and Skipton, including the Royal Pump Room and the award-winning Craven Museum.

The chair of the SMCCT, Sally Gorham, said: “All of the trustees have been impressed by North Yorkshire Council’s commitment to arts and culture.

“With the economic pressures facing the trust we believe handing the service back to the council offers the best guarantee for the future.”

The proposal is backed by North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and arts, Simon Myers, whose responsibilities include museums.

Myers said: “These buildings are cultural assets that are enjoyed by local communities and visitors alike and are an important part of the town’s tourism offering.

“It is vital that we do everything we can to protect and enhance these assets, as well as their collections and the displays on show.

“The council has significant expertise in this area with our culture and archives service currently managing museums, galleries and cultural venues elsewhere across the county.

“Emulating this model in Scarborough represents an opportunity to save taxpayers money and protect the future of the town’s museums and galleries.”

Options for the future delivery for the service will be discussed by members of the council’s executive on Tuesday 18 March.

An alternative proposed option for running the venues could see the council provide additional financial and management support to assist the trust.

The council's officers are continuing to work alongside the trust and its staff during the period of decision-making.

A council report has also indicated that the Rotunda Museum – one of the oldest purpose-built museums still in use in the UK – may temporarily close at some point in the next year for repairs.