Issue - meetings

Purpose

The purpose of the report is to review the first six months of operation of the D-Day Story to ensure that the new museum is performing as anticipated and will meet the council's match-funding commitments to the projects main funder - the Heritage Lottery Fund.  

(TAKE IN INFORMATION REPORT)

The report was introduced by James Batney, Manager of the D-Day Story. 

Councillor Pitt said there were some fantastic reviews of the museum on Trip Advisor and at the recent Overlord Embroidery Trust meeting the trustees had been very impressed with the new museum.  He added that with regard to the flags that used to be outside the front of the building, they were looking at having some temporary flag poles present on Southsea Common for events and he would keep members up to date.

Councillor Jonas said the update report was excellent and very encouraging to hear. 

Councillor Pitt read out the written comments from Councillor Morgan who said it was excellent to see such an overwhelming response in the first few months of reopening.  In response to a question from Councillor Morgan regarding marketing the museum to increase footfall from further afield the Museum and Visitor Services Manager advised:

·         Jane Singh (Visitor Services and Development Manager) is a key member of the new Destination Steering Group and will ensure D-Day Story is included in any promotion possible.  D-Day is also at the top of her agenda when attending various tourism fairs and marketing events, domestic and international.

·         A new London Underground campaign will be in place for two weeks this month to cover half-terms. This is a joint venture between PCC, National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), Mary Rose, Gunwharf Quays and the Tower and this collaboration with partners also includes Portsmouth's attendance at the World Travel Market in November. Both of these will feature D-Day strongly.

·         The Council are working with the NMRN and there is a specific campaign aimed at the Nordics market.  The NMRN are attending the Visit Britain North America marketing event and will also promote The D-Day Story.

·         Officers are currently looking at more joint tickets with NMRN and D-Day and this is something that will further develop with LCT.

Councillor Pitt added that he Council has worked with the Naval Base Property Trust and a large banner on the D-Day Story was displayed at Portsmouth Dockyard.  Councillor Pitt added that he had attended the first meeting of the Destination Marketing Group which had been a very effective meeting and felt that there is real optimism about this group going forward.   

The Cabinet Member noted the information report.