2. Where are we on the location front

THE SEARCH FOR PREMISES

A previous update explained this has been a difficult task. Britain has been a property owning democracy since the war and for most families property investment has become an alternative to a pension. In the last twenty to thirty years an industry has grown up based on property development and speculation being extremely profitable because demand exceeding supply [particularly land]

The consequence of this is that socially driven projects are unable to compete or generate sufficient income in short term. Readers might also note that the greatest demand for community education exists in the urban city areas where too exists the greatest demand for residential housing development.

A third factor impacts on our proposal. London is a tourist mecca and a leading International City. A new institution here has the greatest prospect of attendance, social/ educational provision and usage; but once again  faces the severest competition and land prices.

Should we move further from London the land becomes cheaper but the attendance is likely to fall and the social community service element suffers.

The trustees naturally wanted a relatively quick, easy and reasonably financially modest solution preferably be off the shelf. The old Lotus site at Tottenham might have offered this but the issues outlined mitigate this.

The Trustees continue to work to secure the site at the old Lotus works at Tottenham Lane. If available for commercial redevelopment this might cost £2m+ sterling.

The CCM&EC trustees have conducted detailed discussion as to the merits of the project and its location. The adoption of our title reflects the priority given to the achievements of Colin Chapman .We have therefore examined other locations as we feel there is an obligation to celebrate Chapman's achievements .To fulfil this objective we have examined complementary and connected locations.

Most recently this has been within the Cherwell Valley Council area of North Oxford.[ an area known as motor sport valley] In this region most of the engineering companies that service F1 are located. Its also very close to Silverstone the home of the British Grand Prix. he area is about 60 miles out side London; an hour by train and close to the M40 and M1 motorways.

In the last couple of weeks trustees investigated a property in Bicester. n detailed survey this was found to be too big, expensive, lacking sufficient parking and the internal layout was not perfect.

With an off the shelf solution not immediately presenting it self the trustees have committed to:

Keeping options open, building bridges and networking with interested parties.

Developing a theoretical model [design /layout] of an idealised museum in relation to determining parameters off  exhibits. space including parking , attendance preference and patterns and costs [set up and running]

It is hoped that these measures will produce a reasonable definitive practical devise with which to locate suitable property or sites and to raise finance determine budgets etc.
Shortly we might be able to place on the web our thoughts and opinions would be appreciated as these are extremely useful in establishing the attractiveness, attendance and making the case for permission and support.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

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