Authority to consider future plan for museum

Chichester District Council has released a statement following reports that The Novium in the city is struggling financially.

The museum opened four years ago at a cost of £6.9m.

In February, the cabinet was told the council was subsidising the museum to the tune of £832,700 a year.

A report about the museum is being discussed in private.

Councillor Gillian Keegan, in charge of commercial services in Chichester, said: ‘We constantly review our services.

‘Reviews look at future opportunities, improvements and how we can continue to provide best value to our residents.

‘The reason this particular report is being initially discussed in private is because it involves exploring commercial opportunities as part of the museum’s business plan.

‘As the museum operates in a very competitive market, it is important that we review these options before discussing them publicly.’