MD1628 Proposed Museum of London relocation – GLA Statement of Intent

1. Proposed Museum of London relocation: GLA Statement of Intent

1.1 The Museum of London is actively exploring the possibility of moving from its current London Wall site to a new site at Smithfield General Market, adjacent to the new Farringdon Crossrail station.

1.2 This decision form sets out a Greater London Authority (GLA) Statement of Intent in relation to that proposed relocation in the form of a letter to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee at the City of London Corporation (see Appendix). The contents of the letter are self-explanatory.

1.3 The purpose of the letter is to formalise the GLA’s commitment and enable preparatory work to continue in that knowledge. It is anticipated that the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee will respond positively to the Mayor’s letter.

2. Equality comments

2.1 There are no specific equalities issues arising from this decision. It is intended that the new premises will be accessible to all, including people with impaired mobility and other disabilities.

3.1 There will be significant financial implications arising for the GLA from the proposed relocation. They will be set out in full in a future Mayoral decision form, once the funding package has been discussed with the City of London Corporation and developed further.

4.1 Under the Museum of London Act 1965, the Corporation of the City of London and the GLA have power to appoint equal numbers of the Board of the Museum of London; the Board has power to acquire premises for the maintenance and exhibition of its collection; and – subject to specific agreement otherwise - the Corporation and the GLA bear the Museum’s expenditure equally.

4.2 It is in accordance with the GLA’s functions under section 30 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 to promote the social development of Greater London, and its functions under the Museum of London Act 1965, for the GLA to support a relocation of the Museum of London for reasonable cause.

Appendix: Letter from the Mayor to the City of London Corporation