Natural history museum reopens after masonry fall

The museum is set to undergo a £5m redevelopment in the next few years, subject to funding

Colchester's Natural History Museum has reopened to the public after being closed for a year due to falling masonry.

The former Old Saints Church building - which has housed the museum since 1958 - was closed to allow contractors to assess the historical church tower and make it safe.

Work is continuing to fully repair the tower, but the museum has reopened with a reduced capacity and restricted access at the rear of the Grade II listed building.

Meanwhile, Colchester City Council has applied for more funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards a proposed £5m transformation of the museum.

Masonry fell from the All Saints Church tower last year, which has now been made safe

The council said masonry fell from the tower structure last year. The tower remains wrapped to protect it during winter, while work continues on proposals to fully repair it.

"It's fantastic to see the Natural History Museum reopen, even with limited access," said Lee Scordis, the Labour portfolio holder for culture, heritage and environment for Colchester City Council.

"This is a key step in our ongoing efforts to repair and improve the building and deliver an exciting redevelopment that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come."

The council already received nearly £300,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund last year towards detailed planning for its full redevelopment of the museum.

The museum is set to close in 2027 for the redevelopment work - which will restore the building and surrounding outdoor space - and will reopen again in 2029.

The nave and chancel of the All Saints Church - located on Queen Street - are said to date back to Norman times.