HC 507

Written evidence submitted by Liberal Democratic Group, City of York Council
[SMG 014]

I am writing in regards to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s urgent inquiry into the Future of the Science Museum Group, specifically focusing on the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York.

The NRM plays a significant role in the cultural and economic life of York. The museum reflects the city’s position as both the home of the modern railway in Britain and its continued importance as a major centre of today’s rail industry.

The NRM’s position as a world leading railway museum is well established and it contains many exhibits of national and international importance, including engineering drawings by George Stephenson, the so-called ‘Palaces on Wheels’ used by monarchs from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, and the 4468 Mallard.

The museum’s contribution to York’s cultural life includes a varied programme of special events, a dedicated art gallery space, and a highly active schools programme. It was also famously used as the original venue for the Theatre Royal’s critically acclaimed Railway Children production in 2009.

York’s tourism offer brings seven million visitors to the city and generates £443m in GVA per annum. The NRM is a key part of this and only last week it was named the fifth best museum in the UK-according to a poll conducted by the world’s largest travel website, Trip Advisor.

The importance and popularity of the NRM in York has been demonstrated recently by the response to the petition launched by the York Press to ‘Save The NRM’, which in just weeks has been signed by more than 13,500 people.

At a time when we should be looking to build on the work the NRM is doing and utilise it to drive forward economic growth in York, any funding cuts which threaten its long-term status or force it to scale down its activities, would be a huge blow to the city.

The National Railway Museum is an institution of international importance, which plays a significant role in the local economy and cultural life of York and the wider region. I hope this is recognised and sufficient ongoing funding is provided to secure its future and in the long-term expand its cultural, educational and economic activities.

June 2013