Preston Hall museum visitors rise despite restoration
- Published
Preston Hall was built in 1825 and is currently undergoing a £7m revamp
A historic Teesside museum has seen a significant increase in visitors despite a huge redevelopment programme, a council claims.
Stockton Council said during February to April 2011, 37,000 people visited Preston Hall Museum.
It said it was a rise of almost 80% on the same period in 2010.
The museum is currently undergoing a £7m revamp including the restoration of the hall and the creation of a new jetty within the park.
The scheme has attracted £3.58m of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Councillor Mary Womphrey, Stockton Council's cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "Preston Hall Museum and Park has always been a popular visitor attraction and it is wonderful to see that popularity growing.
"The multi million pound redevelopment that is currently undergoing can only help to improve what's on offer and the refurbishment continues this year with a view to being competed by spring 2011."