Cheshire Archives and Local Studies

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies identifies, collects and cares for archives and publications that are the evidence of Cheshire's communities lives past and present. We deliver access for all of our collections for information, learning and enjoyment to make sure archives survive so that future generations will be able to do the same. Cheshire Archives and Local Studies is headquartered at the Cheshire Record Office in Chester, where it has been based since 1985. The building is no longer fit-for-purpose as storage conditions and space do not meet current standards and accommodation for staff, volunteers and public falls below current expectations. Increasingly its suitability is being questioned on health and safety grounds. Elected members in both authorities have approved the development of a delivery model for the service which sees two new History Centres being developed as bases for the service. One will be a 'headquarters' building in Chester and the second facility will be in Crewe. Sites were allocated to the project in September 2017 and both facilities will be new build. Funding has been secured to develop a First Round Heritage Lottery Fund grant application around this delivery model. It is anticipated that a HLF grant application will be in the region of £4 million and to this end a First Round submission is expected be submitted in late 2017/early 2018. The Councils are therefore seeking a range of consultancy services to support the preparation of this application, namely: - Activity Planning - Interpretation and Exhibition - Business Planning - External bid writing support - A Design Team