Member Article

Newcastle architects set to rejuvenate Victorian museum

Newcastle-based architects Mosedale Gillatt, are set to start work on enhancing Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, following confirmation of lottery funding.

£1,779,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been announced for the renovation of the Victorian building, to provide better visitor facilities and to create a new gallery for the Mountain Heritage Trust to display its nationally important collection.

Built in 1898, the museum will enhanced with a ‘sensitive’ contemporary extension, whilst retaining the charm and character of a Victorian museum.

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Keswick Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic cultural resource for local people and visitors who have come from further afield. With the support of HLF, this project will restore and revitalise the museum itself, creating new opportunities for visitors to explore the museum collections, giving more people the chance learn about the fascinating social and cultural history of the local area.”

Tim Mosedale, a Director at Mosedale Gillatt, added: ’’Visiting Keswick Museum & Art Gallery is a unique experience that as architects we will be looking to both preserve and enhance for the future.

“The proposals will rejuvenate the existing building and make sensitive additions to help sustain the museum with a café, improved access and refurbished gallery and exhibition spaces. We are looking forward to see the plans for this prestigious project turn into reality with a start on site later this year.

“The recent funding success is testament to the hard work and tenacity of the museum, its stakeholders and Allerdale Borough Council who have worked tirelessly to make this project happen.’’

The Heritage Lottery funding accounts for 83% of the total cost of £2,168,000, to which Allerdale Borough Council has committed £290,000.

The project is also part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas (delivered through the North West Development Agency with Defra as the Managing Authority).

Other local organisations and individuals have donated or pledged money towards the match funding.

Commenting on the award Tricia Kerr, chair of Keswick Museum and Art Gallery Ltd,
said: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given this award.

“Many people have been working for a long time so that the museum can become self-
sustaining and the provision of a café, shop and education facilities will provide the
income needed to run the museum.

“It will hopefully mean that we will not be reliant just on the local authority for funding in the future.”

Mrs Audrey McKinnon the Chair of the Friends of Keswick Museum also added: “It is now 9 years since the future of the Museum appeared bleak with closure a distinct possibility.

“We are absolutely delighted at this successful outcome of all the work. Special thanks must go to KMAG Management Ltd, all the volunteers, the Friends of the Museum and the many local groups and individuals who have provided such loyal support.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .