Architects are expected to report back on their final findings of a feasibility study for relocating Stirling Archives within weeks, with a new centrally located rebuild still a frontrunner.
But options to revamp the former BHS and Debenhams stores or New Look in Port Street, said to have shown challenges in initial findings, have not yet been ruled out say Stirling Council officers.
In an update to a recent council community planning and regeneration panel officers said technical requirements for the Archives service such as floor strength, air conditioning and humidity control made identifying an appropriate space “challenging” and that the new location had to be “future proofed” for 25 years.
The brief had also asked that the new premises have the opportunity to generate income and make the most of valued artefacts within the collection via displays and events.
Among locations looked at by consultants Architype have been the former BHS and Debenhams stores, however the former is said to be five times larger than needed and the latter seven times bigger, unless other uses are found for the remaining space. Architype has so far felt a new build facility offers the most cost-effective and best solution in terms of providing the necessary space for expansion along with service development and overall impact.
A vacant plot on Station Road in the city centre was also looked at as a potential site for a new build facility however the initial appraisal concluded that, although a new build would be preferential in cost terms, the site may be too small unless an innovative design solution could be found.
Stirling has a statutory obligation to store and provide access to Archives and records, but is expected to run out of space in around two years.
The Archives care for the records of Stirling Council and its predecessor bodies and records deposited by organisations and individuals from all across the council area dating from the 14th century to the present day.
The service offers access to records, assistance with research, advice on the keeping of records, a remote user’s enquiry service and runs various outreach activities including workshops, talks, children’s activities and training days.
It is open to the public for four days per week and takes group tours and workshops on the other day when possible.
In 2018 a survey revealed Stirling Archive was one of the council’s most appreciated services.
However, users unanimously felt it should have a better building and environment to match the quality of its staff and service.
Focus group members were particularly appreciative of staff knowledge of the collections and their expertise, as well as their helpful attitude, with some saying staff would “bend over backwards to help you” and often provide useful suggestions.
However, criticisms of their premises at Springkerse Industrial Estate were “numerous”, ranging from noise from a neighbouring use of the building and lack of space in the search room, to location and visibility of the service to visitors.
Focus group members unanimously felt that new premises in a more central location would be the best way forward. Officials felt there was an opportunity to look at a new Archives building through the Clackmannanshire and Stirling City Region Deal investment, possibly partnering with libraries and the Registrar’s Service and offering a Family History Centre for residents and visitors.
At the recent committee meeting, convener Councillor Chris Kane asked if the former stores and Station Road had been discounted.
Senior manager for economic development and communities Stuart Oliver said: “I wouldn’t say at this stage we are discounting anything until we see the final report.”
Councillor Kane said replacing the current Archives would “cost a hefty amount of money,”.
But he added: “The Archives can be perceived as a big building down in Springkerse, but once you get into it it’s a fantastic resource for the council and it’s great to see it being talked about as being public facing. The report highlights some of the challenges but also the opportunities.”
