A MUSEUM is overjoyed after learning it will receive almost £900,000 in grant money to improve how visitors experience the venue.
The Museum of Power, in Langford, has been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of a whopping £890,700 for its Powering Forward project to “re-energise the visitor and learning experience”.
The project will deliver a change to what the museum can offer, including a new welcoming visitor entrance, redesigned displays, and a better learning experience about the development of power.
There are more than 50 volunteers who attend the museum regularly and contribute to various tasks such as the restoration of the collection, running the railway, and operating the model village.
The project will create new volunteering opportunities and support volunteer skills development.
Museum chairman Dr Roger Griffin said: “The museum is delighted and proud to have received this support thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
“It will enable the museum to look forward to a future as a sustainable museum and a respected regional learning and community centre.”
MUSEUM SUPPORTER: Priti Patel’s last visit to the Museum of Power in August 2019
Project managers Ingleton Wood, a property and construction consultancy with offices in Colchester and Billericay, helped with the application and will provide services such as architecture, planning, structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering for the project.
Architect Max Chapman said: “We’re thrilled to have helped the Museum of Power secure this huge vital funding which will bring the popular attraction into the 21st century whilst retaining and rejuvenating its renowned heritage.
“It’s important to attract younger generations into the museum and its beautiful grounds too and we’re confident that this significant redevelopment project will achieve that.
“It’s now full steam ahead with our next steps, including our final design plans, and we advise everyone to stay tuned for updates.”
MP Priti Patel, who wrote a letter to the heritage fund in support of the museum’s application, has expressed her delight at the news.
She said: “I am thrilled and, as a patron of the museum, very proud to hear that the National Lottery has recognised the dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers at the Museum of Power, in awarding them this fantastic grant.
“It is a major investment that will help to guarantee the museum’s future through expansion and modernisation of its facilities.
“It will really put the museum on the cultural heritage map and ensure that our country’s proud history in the development of power will be preserved and maintained.
“I am greatly looking forward to visiting the museum again, after it reopens in May.”
The museum still needs to raise £50,000 in match-funding for the project.
To donate, email debbie.thomas@museumofpower.org.uk or call 01621 843183.
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