AMBITIOUS plans to extend Bromsgrove’s Norton Collection Museum have been officially unveiled.
MP Sajid Javid and Town Crier Kevin Ward visited the venue on Friday to hear about and champion the proposals which include a glass frontage and new stairs, lift and cafe.
It is hoped work will start just after Christmas with completion scheduled for the spring.
The extension will provide plenty of extra space for more artefacts, including seven statues owner Dennis Norton has in storage.
In the coming weeks Mr Norton will be carrying out restoration work on the figures created by the renowned Bromsgrove Guild which was famous for producing the Buckingham Palace gates and the Liver Bird statues.
Mr Norton said: “With the museum being so close to the town centre, people will be able to visit, have a look around and have drinks and snacks afterwards.
“Removing the old stairs will give us much more room and the lift will provide better access for any disabled or elderly visitors.
“In the extra space we will also be able to hold talks, presentations and evening events when the restrictions allow.”
The builders, who have already carried out previous extensions on the museum, will create an aluminium frame for the new modern eye-catching glass front.
Mr Javid praised Mr Norton for bringing the building back to life, wished him well and said he hoped more people would visit when the new-look museum opened.
“All those decisions over the years to collect items relating to Bromsgrove’s past have paid off and are helping teach, particularly children and young people, about what the town used to be like.
“Only by finding out about our past can we prepare for the future.”
Funding is in place for most of the work but £20,000 is still needed for the lift.
Anyone who can help should call Dennis Norton on 01527 919531 or 01527 578676.
For more on the museum, visit nortoncollectionmuseumtrust.org.uk or check out the Facebook page.
