Objectives and Activities
Achievements and Performances
Work has continued on the development of the Brunel Good Shed Project. This major activity will result in the development of an arts and heritage exhibition space in the building, but raising the balance of the funds needed is far more involved than we originally anticipated.
We were initially very successful in raising funds and raised £129,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust, the District, Town and County Councils and the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust. However our latest estimate of the total project cost is approaching £350,000 and it is proving rather difficult to raise this level of funding. We have launched a fund raising appeal and so far this has raised a further £20,000, from “Grant Giving Trusts”, the majority as relatively small grants with a couple of larger ones.
We did apply to the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative for a large grant to cover the funding gap. The feedback we were given was that we needed to develop a business plan for the project, to demonstrate that the finances are sustainable and that there are positive benefits for the area, before it could be formally considered. A similar view was expressed by the Heritage Lottery Fund. To enable a business plan to be done, we need to have a view on how the new centre will operate. The SPT does not see itself as the group to run the centre, as we are a building preservation trust. Although, the SPT will facilitate the formation and development of a specific group and individual Directors may have a role in a new group if they wish. We have held several open meetings to explain the situation, to brainstorm options and to develop local interest. The activity is on-going and various possibilities are being discussed.
A meeting has been held with the strategy group to review progress and explain the funding situation. They are supportive of the steps we are taking to unlock this challenging project.
2006 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of I K Brunel, who designed the Goods Shed as part of the Great Western Railway. Many events are being planned for the area to mark this event and the Goods Shed will play a role in some of these. This should help to raise the profile of the building. It is the surviving goods shed of this type and is therefore, a historically important building.
The Brunel Goods Shed (c) Chris Morris 2005
We have recently employed a new part time project officer with a grant of £12,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund. Her main role is to move the project forwards. We have funding available for this role until the end of 2006.
Thanks must got to all those who are contributing to this project. It is taking a tremendous effort, particularly from Anne Mackintosh, Camilla Hale, Geoff Beckerleg, Tim Harrison and Geof Murray. Thanks also to those on the Strategy Group, particularly Dame Margaret Weston and Jim Cornell. Much progress has been made and provided the remaining funding is secured, then the project will move on the the building phase.
Finances
We are grateful to the following Charitable Trusts who have given major donations to the Brunel Goods Shed Appeal Fund.
The Garfield Weston Foundation – £10,000
The Sainsbury Trust – £5,000
The Idlewild Trust – £2,000
The Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust – £1,000
Many smaller grants and donations have also been received from trusts, businesses and individuals.
Board Members
Nigel Paterson, Chairman
Ian Mackintosh
Stephen Davis
Geoffrey Beckerleg (until 1st August 2005)
Tim Harrison
C Hale