Council Says Museum Revamp plans ‘Will Link Past, Present and Future’

Published on: 29 Mar, 2018
Updated on: 29 Mar, 2018

The much-needed revamp of Guildford Museum is moving forward, in an announcement from the borough council.

Guildford Museum in Quarry Street. Picture: Guildford Borough Council.

In a statement issued today (Thursday, March 29) by Guildford Borough Council that operates the museum as part of its Heritage Services department, its states: “A working group made up of councillors and officers is leading the project, supported by independent specialist advisers. This work includes exploring collaboration with external groups, such as the Surrey Archaeological Society, Carollian Wonderland Trust and the Surrey Infantry Museum, to broaden the museum’s offer and boost its appeal to a wider audience.”

On Monday, April 9, the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Executive Advisory Board will be considering a detailed update report with the council stating: “The next stage of this long-term project includes looking at different ways to help with external fundraising, including the establishment of a fundraising trust. We will also be working up more detailed concept design and business plans so we can submit a planning application, with construction work aiming to start in 2020-21.”

Its statement continues: “An independent feasibility report has identified options for the museum and castle site, and we engaged with Historic England early on in the process and are working with them closely.

“Our major community engagement project Your Stories Your Museum, which is funded by Arts Council England, has involved more than 1,600 local people and 21 events over 18 months. It has inspired the community to join in and have their say in helping us to create and shape an enhanced museum for the future.”

The lead councillor for social welfare, heritage and the arts, Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith added: “We are making good progress with our plans for an exciting and dynamic new museum, which will also provide a strong link to the Castle Grounds opening up and connecting these significant heritage sites. This will also be an important visitor destination for the town and a place local people can be proud of.”

“It’s important to emphasise that this is a large-scale, lengthy and complex project on a historic site, relatively unchanged since the 1960s, involving many different partners and stakeholders.

“There are strict requirements, procedures and processes that we must follow to ensure the development is completed properly and sensitively, and all of this takes time.”