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Africa Centre Development Project Bulletin October 2008
Following the agreement of the Council of Management to proceed with the conclusions of the Feasibility Study, the development project is now a realistic proposal and preparations for the development are proceeding apace.
The development work is now being concentrated in 3 parallel streams:
- Fundraising
- Business planning
- Design development leading to planning permission
The Africa Centre has structured its Board and committees to drive these work streams forward with the help of top level advisers and consultants.
Fundraising
A major campaign has been commenced to raise sufficient match funding to accompany the allocated capital funding of the Arts Council England. The fundraising task is challenging but presentations have already been made to potential commercial and charitable donors.
A ‘toolkit’ of FR presentation materials such as brochures, flash (powerpoint) and a commissioned ‘fly thru’ film has been completed and trials are in use. The film will shortly be uploaded onto the website.
At the same time political and governmental profile building is underway.
To date - and in a difficult economic climate - there has been universal interest in the Africa Centre’s renaissance project for the 21st century.
It is hoped that by January 2009 the AC will have some match funding undertakings and a clearer idea of the feasibility of raising the necessary funds.
Business planning
A considerable amount of business case research and preparation has already been completed. Thanks to the pro bono assistance of Deloitte & Touche the business case and its financial model is being reviewed against the changed (and changing) market.
The work of the FR and BD committee and the consultants advising it is being done in parallel with the work of the design team so that both the physical and financial proposals are coordinated.
A final draft business plan is expected to be ready by January 2009.
Design development
A full design and project team has been assembled to take the feasibility study forward. A pre-application service has been received from Westminster Council Planning Department and there will be ongoing discussions with Westminster, English Heritage and other stakeholders. The Africa Centre is a listed building and is located in a conservation area, so a planning application for its project will demand considerably more detail. Specialist consultants such as Rights of Light / party wall surveyors and acoustic engineers, are also being appointed as necessary to satisfy planning requirements.
The hope is that a planning application can be made by Christmas 2008.
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The Africa Centre has embarked on a new future. It proposes its biggest development since it first opened its doors in 1964. The future Africa Centre is set to become the 21st century focus for the best of African enterprise, culture, sustainability, sociability and creativity. The new centre will add contemporary programmes to its proud history to become the dynamic UK and European centre for Africa related promotions and activities and a 'must visit' nexus for Africans and Africanists alike throughout the world.
The Africa Centre is eager to realise its ambitions. With the Arts Council England's support, changes have already been put in place and the centre is now primed for the next stage of development.
Corporate communications consultants, Good Communications, led by director Ted Gush, have been appointed to research and develop the brand and commercial business case to ensure a sustainable future for the Africa Centre. Good Communications’ report and business plan is expected early in 2008
Business of Culture have been appointed to assess the demand for cultural and creative activities in the future Africa Centre. The results of their research –volumes of visitors, incomes, particular demands, etc- were presented to the Management Council in November, and will be included in the business plan by Good Communications.
Creative consultant Zina Saro-Wiwa is helping shape the Africa Centre’s mission. This year she is devising off-site programming and events for the centre. She is also producing and directing a film called ‘This Is My Africa’, recording the responses and memories of a selection of London-based Africans and Africaphiles to the great continent. Clips of the film will be appearing on the website shortly.
The Philanthropy Company have been selected to lead on a high level fundraising strategy. This will be based on qualitative interviews and will guide the sourcing of funds for the capital development. A launch for the fundraising campaign is being prepared and will be reported here.
For regular updates on progress being made on the Africa Centre's Development Project please visit this site.
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