Salisbury Museum awarded £3.2 million for big redevelopment
They outlined their plans earlier this year if the bid was successful
Salisbury Museum have announced that their bid for £3.2 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been successful.
They're planning for a major redevelopment of the building which will cost in total £4.4 million.
That leaves them to raise £1.2m in extra funds, however they are only looking for £500,000 more after donations from individuals, trusts and foundations.
The amount they have currently raised means they can proceed with the project, while also trying to fundraise for the extra money.
Wiltshire Council have said they will lend the Museum the shortfall if they need it.
Adrian Green, Director of Salisbury Museum said:
"This is incredible news from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – not just for the museum, but for Salisbury. Culture and heritage have a significant role to play in rebuilding the strength, confidence, vibrancy and profile of the city after the twin shocks of Novichok and COVID-19.
"By 2024 we will not only have an outstanding museum that will appeal to Salisbury’s visitors, but we will be working in new ways with the local community to ensure we truly reflect the wide-ranging history of our city."
Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this funding will allow the capital work to take place over the next two years.
Jon Turner, Chair of Trustees for the Museum said:
"We are over-the-moon with this fantastic news. Our hard-working, multi-talented team has worked so hard to secure this funding with a submission that shows an incredible vision for the future of Salisbury Museum, supported by a strong, far-reaching business plan. The Board would like to thank everyone who has helped us in achieving this brilliant success."
WHAT WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT ON?
The museum have outlined a number of plans to which will make "important upgrades" to the building.
These include:
Restoring, renewing and repurposing the building
Creating a new Salisbury Gallery telling the city’s story from 1220 to 2020
Re-displaying the collection of ceramics within the context of the historic 17th century core of the building
Making the collections and building more accessible
Building the audiences, diversifying the income streams, and thereby ensuring the business model is self-sustaining
Providing the necessary facilities (toilets, lift etc)
The current Salisbury gallery at the museum cuts off in the late 19th century, this new project will see all areas covered up until the present day.
It should be all completed by 2024.