Scarborough’s museums and galleries could soon be under new management as North Yorkshire Council considers bringing them back in-house. Councillors are set to discuss the move, which is expected to save taxpayers more than £50,000 annually while securing the future of these cultural treasures.
Scarborough Art Gallery, Rotunda Museum, and Woodend Gallery and Studios have been managed by the Scarborough Museums Creative and Cultural Trust (SMCCT) since 2005. However, the trust has now asked the council to explore taking the service back under its direct control. The proposal would see the venues incorporated into the council’s culture and archives service, which already runs award-winning museums and galleries in places like Harrogate and Skipton.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and arts, Cllr Simon 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.”
Cllr Myers also highlighted that the council has significant expertise in managing museums and galleries across the county. He said, “Emulating this model in Scarborough represents an opportunity to save taxpayers money and protect the future of the town’s museums and galleries.”
The council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday, 18 March, to discuss the best way forward. One of the options being considered is to transfer the day-to-day running of the museums and galleries to the council. Another option would see the trust continue operating with additional financial and management support from the council. While discussions are ongoing, council officers are working closely with the trust and its staff to ensure a smooth transition if the service is brought in-house.
One potential impact of the changes is the temporary closure of the Rotunda Museum to allow for necessary repairs. The museum, one of the oldest purpose-built museums still in use in the UK, may need to shut at some point in the next year to facilitate the work.
Sally Gorham, chair of SMCCT, welcomed the council’s involvement in securing the future of Scarborough’s cultural institutions. She 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.”
With the decision approaching, the focus remains on ensuring that Scarborough’s
