Views sought for museum and gallery's new chapter

The Nicholson Institute was opened 140 years ago as a "place of creativity, education and community".

The public have been asked to help shape "an exciting new chapter" for a museum and art gallery.

They are based in the 140-year-old Nicholson Institute in Leek, Staffordshire, which is to be updated as part of a multi-million-pound revamp of the town, following Levelling-Up funding from the previous government.

To decide what the improvements may allow for the museum and gallery, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has asked residents to take part in a survey on its website running until 28 February.

Topics include redesigning displays to better tell stories about the area, with feedback also encouraged on the sort of activities and events to hold.

The premises was "built 140 years ago as a place of creativity, education and community", said the district council which manages the museum and art gallery. They close on 1 March for the work to take place.

The building is also home to Leek's library, which is run by the county council and set to remain open until 10 May. Thereafter, a temporary library will open at Moorlands House from 27 May.

"It's an exciting new chapter for the Nicholson Institute," said Bill Cawley, the district council's cabinet member for communities.

"This beautiful building is so important for the cultural life of Leek, the Moorlands and the wider region."

He said the council was investing in the building so it continued to attract "locals and visitors now and in the future", adding it was important people's views were reflected.

He added: "Don't be reluctant to air your views. As Oscar Wilde who visited the Nicholson shortly after it opened in 1885 might have said, 'question are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are'."