A HISTORY museum in Cirencester has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as well as development funding for a new interactive scheme.

The Corinium Museum’s proposal for a ‘Stone Age to Corinium: Discover the Archaeology of the Cotswolds’ project has been endorsed by HLF and awarded £96,300 for development funding in order to progress their plans to apply for a full grant later on this year.

The Park Street museum hopes to create new interactive galleries and a new discovery centre and garden – meaning objects, including rare stone and bone tools, rock art and beakers, currently in storage, will be conserved and put on display for the first time.

The work will help the museum in delivering new programmes, including the pre-Roman occupation of the Cotswolds, as well as the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, moving in line with more recently introduced school curriculum.

The project’s focus will be on Abberley House, a Grade II listed Georgian building, which is to be restored with the discovery centre housed at the front, creating a focal point for archaeological workshops and practical demonstrations of ancient crafts, as well as research space for staff and volunteers.

Amanda Hart, museum director, said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. This project will transform the opening galleries, bringing the now dated displays in line with the rest of the museum. The discovery centre will give us a much needed space for our growing programme of activities enjoyed by all.”

The museum is owned by Cotswold District Council (CDC), and Cllr Nick Parsons, CDC deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, welcomed the development funding.

He said: “The museum underwent an extensive renovation just over 10 years ago and the improvements are there for all to see. This new project revisits the parts that weren’t upgraded at the time and we believe that the improvements envisaged would be stunning.

“We estimate that the improvements could increase visitor numbers significantly and should therefore boost income. Residents and visitors would be able to view exhibits previously stored away, and see the work of restorers and other support staff at close quarters for the first time.”

Visit coriniummuseum.org for more information.