17th Century Museum in Abingdon Gets Refurbishment

Posted under Blog by Ruth

Plans have been developed to help rejuvenate a 17th century museum and are about to go on public display.

The refurbishment of Abingdon County Hall Museum, located in Market Place, will cost around £3.5 million. It is hoped that this will boost the number of visitors there by 50 percent, taking it from 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each year.

One of the main parts of the plans will include installing a lift that can take visitors to the main exhibition hall from the basement.

The basement is also to be refurbished, fitted with an education centre and café. On top of this, measure such as double glazing windows will be installed to help make the museum more eco friendly.

Curator of the museum, Lauren Gilmour, said that ‘the double glazing windows are a step forward as they will improve the museum’s insulation’ which will make it a more comfortable place for visitors and, more importantly, a safer environment for preserving artefacts.

A grant of £2 million was given to the project by the Heritage Lottery Fund – the rest of the money was raised by foundations and trust.

English Heritage have approved the plans. The original design has been altered due to the lift going to a second floor attic, but it will make the building more accessible.

Work should begin in September 2010 to be completed by December 2011, in time to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee.