Member Article

Cheshire West gains funding for industrial heritage sites

Historic industrial sites across Cheshire West will be protected after the Arts Council England awarded a £294,000 fund to Cheshire West Museums.

Tourism spots such as Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse will be supported along with the Lion Saltworks in Northwich and the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.

This fund is part of a £17.8m ‘Renaissance Strategic’ support fund, which has been distributed to 87 successful bidders across the UK.

North West regional director for Art Council England said: “We are delighted to be supporting Cheshire West Museums.

“Our Renaissance Strategic support fund is enabling museums to find new ways to make the most of their fantastic collections.”

New displays will be put on using the investment, while people in the local community will be encouraged to get involved with industrial heritage projects.

Cheshire West Museums will design a display programme along with the National Waterways Museum to deliver a coherent industrial heritage offering across the region.

Audience development will be a major focus for Cheshire West Museums, who will also push for greater levels of volunteer participation.

Sue Hughes, museum director, commented: “We are grateful to the Arts Council for giving us the opportunity to develop this project in partnership and hence improve and promote the overall offer for industrial heritage in Cheshire West.

“We are looking forward to learning from each other and sharing skills and resources.”

Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and recreation, added: “Industrial heritage is increasingly popular and Cheshire West has some fascinating stories to tell visitors and also remind communities of our own history.

“The Arts Council award will help us further develop strategies which will encourage tourists while engaging and educating communities about their heritage.”

Other recipients in the North West included Burnley Borough Council, who won £315,000 for museums in Pennine Lancashire, Harris Museum and Art Gallery who won £285,000 for projects in Preston, while the National Football Museum in Manchester secured over £158,000.

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens also raised investment from the Renaissance Strategic fund along with the People’s History Museum in Lancashire and the Tameside Museums and Galleries Service.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .