§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the trustees of the Victoria and Albert museum concerning the financing of the proposed Victoria and Albert of the North in Bradford; what views have been expressed by the trustees over the availability of £8 million from the European regional development fund; when he intends to take a final decision on the application for city grant for the project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyMy Department has received representations on behalf of the Victoria and Albert museum about the possibility of a grant from the European regional development fund for the proposed Victoria and Albert of 507W the North at Listers Mill. There are a number of major requirements which would need to be met before such a project could be regarded as viable and eligible for ERDF support. These include the means of funding the £13 million non-grant capital cost of the scheme and the projected annual revenue deficit, the practicality of undertaking the works within the Bradford ERDF programme time scale and resources, and meeting public expenditure requirements.
A city grant application for redevelopment of another part of the Listers Mill complex has also been submitted and is under consideration. A conditional grant offer of £10 million was made last year to give the parties time to assemble a credible development package.