Decision details

The Cabinet Member considered a report on proposals to build a business case to establish a National Silk Centre.

The Silk Heritage Trust operated a number of museum and heritage sites in Macclesfield. They received funding from the Council as well as from other income sources. The Trust’s existing business model was not financially viable.

The proposal to build a business case to establish the National Silk Centre provided an opportunity to develop a viable long term future for the Trust and its collections. It had the potential to become a nationally significant centre of excellence in relation to the silk industry and textile design, a successful visitor attraction contributing to the visitor economy, a locally significant attraction providing local people with a better understanding of Macclesfield, and a valuable educational and learning resource.

RESOLVED

That

(1)   the proposal to develop a business case to facilitate the aspiration to establish the National Silk Centre be supported; and

(2)   Officers from Health and Wellbeing and Regeneration work with the Trust to develop the business case.