A report seeking spend approval for the Roman Britain - Reimagined in Reading Project and setting out details of delivery activities.

The Committee received a report explaining that the Roman Britain - Reading Reimagined project was intended to transform Reading Museum’s Roman gallery into the new Discovering Calleva Gallery, redisplaying Iron Age and Roman objects through immersive, multisensory and accessible interpretation shaped by an extensive community consultation. The project had secured a £714,785 delivery grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £236,808.50 from other match-funding sources and a further £28,172 non-cash contribution, giving a total project budget of £979,765.50. This would enable the start of the delivery phase, following successful completion of the project’s development stage.

The report explained that the new gallery would connect more people with Reading’s Roman heritage through updated storytelling, tactile interactives, recreated Roman spaces and 3D?printed handling objects. There would also be a comprehensive activity programme which would widen participation, strengthen partnerships, expand volunteering and paid placements, and enhance learning opportunities for diverse audiences.

The report also explained that £236,808.50 cash in match funding, comprising contributions from project partners and donors including the Earley Charity, Friends of Reading Museum, private donors, and non?cash support, and up to £100,000 from the Council through the Sustainability Fund would be used to progress the delivery phase. Officers were continuing to work on alternative sources of funding to reduce the need for Council match-funding.

The report informed the Committee that strong project governance would be maintained through a dedicated project management structure that would meet regularly to oversee delivery, budget, risks, and compliance with both National Lottery Heritage Fund requirements and the Council’s project management standards. Regular updates would be provided through established Council reporting routes, including reports to the Committee at key milestones, ensuring robust oversight, transparency, and alignment with organisational priorities.

Resolved -

(1)      That the £714,785 National Lottery Heritage Fund delivery grant and the commencement of delivery activities, including procurement and recruitment be noted;

(2)      That spend approval be granted and the use of £236,808.50 match funding be noted;

(3)      That the project governance and reporting process be noted.