PLANS to create a £1.1 million state-of-the-art collection store with improved accessibility and workspaces at Newton Abbot Museum are going down well with the public.
Staff took to the town centre on Saturday May 17 to showcase the What’s in Store? project that should result in a sleek modern extension to Newton’s Place, the former Victorian church in Wolborough Street that has housed the museum since 2020.
The team had already secured a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant of £78,952 to develop their ideas and will soon submit a major grant application for approximately £850,000 to help pay for construction, fitting out and to run a programme of community-focused activities.
Public fundraising will also be carried out to avoid any cost falling on council tax payers.
Curator Dr Charlotte Dixon said: ‘People are being really positive about the What’s in Store? plans, including the general design.
‘They’re also liking the fact it means they will be able to access the objects more easily and work with us in the future, they’re very interested to see our list of activities.
‘Our relationship with the NLHF is really positive and we’re now at the final stage of the National Lottery application process.
‘It’s been quite long so far, having secured funding for the first year, now we’re at the last hurdle, hoping to get the financial support for what will be called the delivery phase.’
The NHLF decision is expected in the autumn and if the grant is awarded the build should be completed in the winter of 2026.
David and Jane Clarkson are Friends of the Museum members and keen to see the finished product.
‘Now we’ve seen the design it fits in there just fine,’ said Mr Clarkson.
‘I’m pleased the museum is where it now is, rather than in Devon Square, and it’s a valuable resource for keeping history alive.
‘It’s going to be good if more people can be involved and future generations can see what life here was like.’
The Museum is free to visit. Opening times are Tuesday – Friday 9.30am-4.30pm, Saturday. 9.30am-1.30pm. Closed Bank Holidays.
Above image shows David and Jane Clarkson with Dr Dixon and the What’s in Store? display.
Below shows father and son Stuart and Ellis Frisby who enjoyed free badge-making laid on by museum staff as part of the event.
Newton Abbot Town Council, which operates the museum, has no plans to increase its share of the precept to help fund the project.
