CHELMSFORD Museum, is in the final stages of applying for development costing almost £1.5 million.

The museum in Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, has submitted its final stage application to the National Lottery via the Heritage Lottery Fund to bid for nearly £1.5 million to develop the historic wing of the museum and strengthen its links with the park.

Plans have been developed to transform the former Oaklands House building to offer an improved visitor experience with newly-designed displays including a room-by-room journey through the history of Chelmsford and a new café.

Nick Wickenden, Manager, Chelmsford Museum, said: “We have been consulting the people of Chelmsford for a long time about what they want to see at the museum, and it is clear they want to discover more about their local history in a way befitting a museum for the twenty first century.

“Visitors are also keen for us to launch our own café where they can pop in for coffee and cake and meet friends, and this forms part of our plans.”

Julia Jeapes, councillor for leisure, said: “The Chelmsford Museum is a wonderful resource for people of the city and offers so much for children, families and anyone interested in local history.

“The refurbishment will boost the visitor experience and offer everyone who enjoys the museum and its surrounding parkland a wonderful place to meet and learn about Chelmsford’s fascinating history.”