Cheshire Archives and Local Studies: Appointment of Design Team for proposed new History Centres in Chester and Crewe.

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies identifies, collects and cares for archives and publications that are the evidence of Cheshire's communities lives past and present. We deliver access for all of our collections for information, learning and enjoyment to make sure archives survive so that future generations will be able to do the same.

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies is headquartered at the Cheshire Record Office in Chester, where it has been based since 1985. The building is no longer fit-for-purpose as storage conditions and space do not meet current standards and accommodation for staff, volunteers and public falls below current expectations. Increasingly its suitability is being questioned on health and safety grounds.

Elected members in both authorities have approved the development of a delivery model for the service which sees two new History Centres being developed as bases for the service. One will be a ‘headquarters’ building in Chester and the second facility will be in Crewe.

The Councils are therefore seeking a range of consultancy services to support the preparation of this application, namely:

— Activity Planning,

— Interpretation and Exhibition,

— Business Planning,

— External bid writing support,

— A Design Team.