GMDT has tried to improve our communications through the redesign of our website, the introduction of GMDT quarterly newsletters, and increased media coverage to help people understand what our partners and we are involved in.
There are a number of projects that have been delivered or progressed in partnership in the first six months of this year (April – September 2008) including the following:
Town Hall
Phase 1: Town Hall Exterior - £450k project to upgrade exterior facade (completed July 2008) and internal redecoration to Corn Exchange, Ballroom and main stairwell (completion October 2008).
Phase 2: Town Hall Interior - £500k allocation from CMBC commenced with the appointment of the architects Benson & Forsyth who developed a master plan vision to redevelop and extend the Town Hall (budget c £4.5m).
This will be delivered in a phased approach with the initial priorities being: the creation of temporary toilets for users on the first floor; the creation of a lift to the first and second floors; and the opening up of the Butter Market with the potential for the creation of a new business space.
Castles, Woods & Water (CW&W)
A number of environmental projects have already been delivered and a programme of projects totalling £350k have been authorised by the CW&W Board to be delivered over the next 12 to 18 months. A further £100k transfer has been agreed to commence the interpretation and signage programme, which will support tourism development and complement activities such as the Walking Festival. A steering group has developed the proposals along three key areas – town, countryside and heritage. Tommy's Field is completed and is a good example of partnership project development across a number of agencies.
Heritage
The Heritage Open days all had to be cancelled due to the flood but there is an ambition to resurrect these early in 2009 with a particularly high demand for Mitford Hall. The physical elements of the Emily Davison project have been completed and the school educational programme is being developed between Beamish, Woodhorn and King Edward VI School.
Youth
GMDT is looking to strengthen partnerships with existing providers in the town such as Barnabas and have recently supported their My Space funding bid.
Events
The Ice Festival in February built on the success of previous years with new elements introduced including a fantastic fireworks finale. Picnic in the Park took place in July and the feedback was very good. The 5th Annual Walking Festival has just been completed and this is the first year that GMDT has managed it on its own. A major community arts and culture winter programme has been initiated and it is aimed to be delivered in partnership with other stakeholders across the town. This will be launched on November 7th with the Recycle Rally showcase event, which has been developed across the school network to raise environmental issues.
Economic Development
The current support of major agencies through the flooding is starting to develop better working relationships with One North East and it is hoped that GMDT can have an enabling role to promote some strategic investments/developments to support the recovery of the town. GMDT has also enabled Morpeth to be included in the Market Town Welcome Programme, which provides consultative support in relation to maximising tourism and opportunities of wider working.
David Lodge
CEO
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