Colchester's Natural History Museum receives £296k grant funding

Colchester Council has announced the beloved Natural History Museum, in High Street, has been awarded a development grant of £296,725 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The funding will be used during the initial phase of the museum’s planned £5miilion redevelopment as the museum is in an urgent need of an upgrade.

Plans for changes were shaped through a public consultation in 2022.

Location - a close-up on the Natural History Museum The museum is located in a Grade II listed deconsecrated church that requires “urgent modernisation” and the building itself needs to have “substantial conservation work”.

The building and museum displays and exhibits, many of which are decades old, require a complete overhaul.

This grant will help the council obtain a professional design team, architects, exhibition planners and heritage consultants.

It will also cover essential business and activity planning for the museum project.

Castle ward Councillor Mark Goacher was pleased to hear of the funding.

Mr Goacher said: “I think it is excellent news, it is a great little museum but it does need modernising.

"Hopefully it will be more interactive and interesting for younger people.

"Anything that stimulates an interest in the natural world I am all for.

"It's great the museum is getting the attention it deserves."

As part of the revamp plans, the new museum will focus on local habitats, the unique landscapes of north Essex, and how people can enjoy and contribute to the sustainability of the natural environment around them.

The redevelopment will also introduce a dedicated learning space for school groups, something the museum does not currently offer.

Delighted - Councillor Goacher Additionally, after the revamp, the museum will provide areas for natural history groups and other community partners to engage with the public.

The museum is temporarily closed for repairs on the building’s tower but according to a Colchester Council it will be reopening soon.

Natalie Sommers, the council's heritageboss, said: "This is a pivotal moment for the Natural History Museum.

“Thanks to the support of National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we can now begin the critical planning and design work that will secure the museum’s future.

Happy - Councillor Natalie Sommers (Image: Credited) “Our goal is to transform the museum into an exciting space that reflects both our natural heritage and the values of sustainability."