Leaking roof in need of repairs at revamped museum

Dorset Museum reopened in 2021 after a three-year, £16m revamp

The roof of a struggling museum is leaking, causing damage inside the building, planning documents have revealed.

Dorset Museum in Dorchester reopened in 2021 after a £16m revamp but, earlier this year, the attraction revealed it was not attracting enough visitors.

The ageing roof was not included in the three-year construction project due to the cost, according to a report.

The museum is now seeking permission to refurbish and replace the main roof, although funding for the works is yet to be secured.

The museum said it was not yet able to say how much the roof repairs would cost

A report to Dorset Council planners by architect Crickmay Stark said: "Fundamentally, the roofscape leaks and has done for a prolonged period.

"Consequently, there is evidence of internal water ingress in wall and ceiling plasterwork and finishes."

The works include replacing lead flashings, roof valleys, parapet gutters, lead and copper cladding to dormer windows, and repairs to the decorative Victorian Gallery windows.

Necessary repairs and repointing to the chimneys and parapet walls will also be carried out.

Museum director Claire Dixon said she was not yet in a position to comment on the cost or duration of the works, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The main building, which is in the town's Conservation Area, was built between 1881 and 1883.

Another part, known as Handel's House, dates back to the early 17th Century and was re-fronted in the 18th Century.

If the roof works are approved, the Grade II listed buildings in High West Street are expected to be covered in scaffolding for several months.