Improving Guildford Museum is a ‘Complex Long-Term Project’, Says Council

Published on: 5 Jan, 2018
Updated on: 6 Jan, 2018

Guildford Borough Council has responded to criticism of slow progress in a project to upgrade Guildford Museum.

In an opinion piece, Let’s Encourage The Council To Get On With The Museum Project, published in The Guildford Dragon, Gavin Morgan organiser of The Guildford Heritage Forum wrote: “My resolution is to encourage Guildford Borough Council to get on with the Guildford Museum project which started in April 2016 and which appears to have stalled.

“We do not know why nothing appears to be happening but we want to help.”

Responding to the article, a GBC spokesperson said: “Improving Guildford Museum is a complex, long-term project and it is right that we take the proper time needed to create this new and exciting heritage hub and tourist attraction.”

“The feasibility study is well underway and we are working with specialist architects to make the most of this fantastic opportunity to connect the museum and Castle Grounds.

“Site sensitivity is a critical factor and we are also engaging with organisations such as Historic England, for their input on the crucial aspects of developing these archaeologically important buildings and grounds.

Guildford Museum and inset Gavin Morgan of the Guildford History Forum

“We were also successful in obtaining external funding to help with our ongoing ‘Your stories, your museum’ initiative to ensure we meet local needs and expectations. This included wide consultation with many people about what they would like to see and how they would like to experience and explore exhibits in the new museum.

“A cross-party councillor and officer working group is helping to drive this improvement project forward and we are making progress with the many different steps that make up these initial stages. We will involve residents, businesses and other organisations when we have established the best way forward for this historic site to help inspire future generations and preserve our borough’s rich history.”

Responses to Improving Guildford Museum is a ‘Complex Long-Term Project’, Says Council

Bernard Parke Reply

January 5, 2018 at 11:43 am

To my knowledge, they have been talking about this since the early eighties.
John Fox Reply

January 11, 2018 at 7:21 pm

Out of interest, just how many people actually go the museum a year? I love Guildford but…
Brian Holt Reply

January 12, 2018 at 4:42 pm

If the museum also had a entrance from the Castle Grounds a lot more people would take a look at the museum.

Let’s face it, hardly anyone uses Quarry Street and that is why no one knows where the museum is.

[Ed: one of the plans within the museum revamp is an entrance via the Castle Grounds.]