Options appraisal and business plan for Kettle's Yard

Kettle’s Yard is one of the UK’s finest and most distinctive galleries

It has a collection of mainly 20th century art and a gallery that presents contemporary and 20th Century art exhibitions. It also hosts regular classical and contemporary music concerts and other events. It is an institution within the University of Cambridge.

Kettle’s Yard commissioned BOP to undertake a focused, objective appraisal of the options for capital development. 

An options appraisal is a decision making tool for identifying objectives, the ways these objectives can be achieved, and to examine all the different factors that are relevant, before making a decision. They are recommended by the HM Treasury’s Green Book and are widely used by organisations that are considering capital development to help them assess the context in which they are working, to understand the benefits and costs of various options, to make informed and transparent decisions on which option is most likely to meet the objectives.

The appraisal found that Kettle’s Yard was right to progress more ambitious capital project plans that address all weaknesses and opportunities of the site. Ultimately, our work helped pave the way for an application to Arts Council England for funding. As a result, Kettle’s Yard secured £3.65 million, enabling the redevelopment of their gallery with the ultimate goal of exhibiting contemporary and modern art.