LANGDON'S Museum of Power has been awarded a massive £290,000 by the Arts Council.

The money will go towards building work and the purchase of equipment.

The work will improve access, seize on technological opportunities and reduce the museum's environmental impact.

There will be accessibility upgrades in the courtyard and to pathways to make a creative space.

Museum chair of trustees Dr Roger Griffin said: “The museum is very grateful to the Arts Council England for this fantastic grant award.”

This grant will also pay for a 10-space bike shelter, to encourage people to cycle to the museum, reducing their carbon footprint.

The Arts Council funding programme is to ensure communities across the UK have the correct infrastructure to allow them to express creativity.

Area director Hazel Edwards said: “Through this capital investment programme, we are bolstering cultural investment in communities throughout the East of England and the South East.”

The Museum is finishing a major ‘Powering Forward’ refurbishment.

The project will see a new exciting leaning programme along with an extension to house a new reception, gift shop and extend the Steam Pump Tea Room.

That project has been funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield West Foundation, Essex and Suffolk Water and various individual donations.

Jennie Collingwood, head of corporate affairs at Essex and Suffolk Water, said: “The Museum of Power tells a story of such historical importance about the development of industry and the use of power in the UK.”

“Essex and Suffolk Water are thrilled to play a small but important part in the development of the Museum of Power and this grant from the Arts Council builds on the extensive investment we have made over the years to support the museum.”