URL: https://democracy.ipswich.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1385

Decision Maker: Officer Decision

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: As part of the Budget Delivery Plan in November 2024 , the Council Executive approved the change of Christchurch Mansion opening hours from six days to four in order to realise savings of £86,000 to offset increased costs over time. No other viable proposal could make the same level of saving/income to reduce the contribution to CIMS (Colcherster and Ipswich Museum) operating costs at that time.   This decision was taken to keep the service within its budget and susatinable for the Council to run, however the Council committed to continue to explore other options and seek grant funding to bridge the gap to, if possible, reinstate some if not all of the hours lost.   After the changes to opening times were implemented in April 2025, ACE (Arts Council England) released its Renewal Fund, specifically aimed at supporting museums to remain open during challenging financial times. CIMS, with IBC approval, submitted an application to this fund with one of the grant requests made for funding to reinstate some opening hours alongside support to develop further income streams to support the museum longer term to maintain a balanced budget.   This grant application was kindly supported with financial match from Friends of Ipswich Museums to allow the reinstatement to continue past the shorter duration of the ACE grant funding window.   This grant application was successful.   Other options considered The decision needed is whether to accept this grant from ACE and reopen the Mansion on Thursdays from October 2025 for the duration of the funding.   It was considered to not accept the grant however this was discounted as not in the best interest of residents.

Content: As part of the Budget Delivery Plan in November 2024 , the Council Executive approved the change of Christchurch Mansion opening hours from six days to four in order to realise savings of £86,000 to offset increased costs over time. No other viable proposal could make the same level of saving/income to reduce the contribution to CIMS (Colcherster and Ipswich Museum) operating costs at that time.   This decision was taken to keep the service within its budget and susatinable for the Council to run, however the Council committed to continue to explore other options and seek grant funding to bridge the gap to, if possible, reinstate some if not all of the hours lost.   After the changes to opening times were implemented in April 2025, ACE (Arts Council England) released its Renewal Fund, specifically aimed at supporting museums to remain open during challenging financial times. CIMS, with IBC approval, submitted an application to this fund with one of the grant requests made for funding to reinstate some opening hours alongside support to develop further income streams to support the museum longer term to maintain a balanced budget.   This grant application was kindly supported with financial match from Friends of Ipswich Museums to allow the reinstatement to continue past the shorter duration of the ACE grant funding window.   This grant application was successful.   Other options considered The decision needed is whether to accept this grant from ACE and reopen the Mansion on Thursdays from October 2025 for the duration of the funding.   It was considered to not accept the grant however this was discounted as not in the best interest of residents. To reinstate the opening of Christchurch Mansion on Thursdays from week commencing 23rd October 2025.   Reason: Funding had been received from external sources to enable reinstating opening on Thursdays.

Date of Decision: October 7, 2025