Issue - meetings

That the developments taking place at Bailey Hill be supported.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) introduced the report and provided background information.  He advised that Bailey Hill was a significant project to improve the heritage environment of the Motte and Bailey Castle at Bailey Hill in Mold, and was a joint initiative between the Council, Mold Town Council, and Friends of Bailey Hill Group.  He referred to the application for Heritage Lottery funding through the Parks for People programme, which was estimated at £1.2m,  and reported that a successful stage 1 development application for £0.44m was completed in July 2016.

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) continued that the development stage would include employment of technical advisors to work on the capital development, access, interpretation and governance structure of the  site and its operation.  The work was due to be completed by the end of 2017 with an estimated stage 2 application to be submitted if the work was agreed by all partners at the beginning of 2018.  He invited the Principal Museums Officer, to report in more detail on the Bailey Hill Conservation Management Plan and the potential future project work.

The Principal Museums Officer referred to the Bailey Hill site plan which was appended to the report and gave an overview of the proposals in relation to the Motte, entrances and approaches, Outer Bailey, play area, Inner Bailey, the Gorsedd Stone Circle, and the custodian’s cottage.  She said the Bailey Hill project was an exciting and challenging scheme and that the Heritage Lottery Board were supportive and keen to see the development working.

Councillor Chris Bithell spoke in support of the project and commented on the historical importance and local significance of the Motte and Bailey Castle.  He said that in recent times the site had become neglected and that there were concerns of anti social behaviour; he explained that  local residents were keen to see the site restored to good use. 

Councillor Carolyn Thomas also spoke in support of the proposals and commented on the importance of the site as a natural and safe place for children to play and for families to enjoy leisure activities.

Councillor Brian Lloyd proposed that a site visit be arranged for the Committee to view Bailey Hill.  During discussion it was agreed that this would be suggested to the new Committee for consideration following the May 2017 elections. 

RESOLVED:

That the developments taking place at Bailey Hill be supported.