Museum renovation boosted by additional funding

The museum is currently undergoing renovations

A museum has received £450,000 of additional funding for ongoing renovation works.

Poole Museum is currently closed for a £7.7 million redevelopment.

The additional grant from Arts Council England is supporting a new, larger temporary exhibition gallery at the museum.

It will also be used on improvements to digital infrastructure, accessibility, and sustainability.

The museum is owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.

Councillor Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications, and culture at BCP Council, said: “With investment from Arts Council England, our remodelled and improved galleries and spaces represent a significant cultural opportunity for the local area.

“We are committed to first-rate, ambitious, and inclusive programming that will see Poole Museum thrive as an outstanding cultural venue and be more sustainable and resilient in the future."

The museum is expected to open in spring 2025

He added that the funding would ensure there would be "much more on offer", meaning "many, many more people can take part and be creative”.

The museum is expected to open in spring 2025.

It is one of ten organisations in the south west to receive investment from Arts Council England.

An award of £600,000 will also go towards transforming Carpenter's Yard at Priddy’s Hard, a former military site in Gosport, into a public arts centre with nine affordable artist studios.

Phil Gibby, south west area director at Arts Council England, said: “Through our Capital Investment Programme, we’re helping the cultural sector upgrade its infrastructure and seize new opportunities.

“It's not just bricks and mortar - with better buildings comes improved accessibility, new technology and a reduced environmental footprint.

“Post-pandemic this public funding matters more than ever to staff, volunteers and visitors. We can't wait to see plans take shape,” he added.