What’s in Store for Newton Abbot Museum?

Why a new museum store?

The current store is not publicly accessible due to narrow corridors, and it's no longer large enough to house the museum’s growing collection of 17,000 objects. Some items are currently stored in off-site rental units.

An extension to the museum will provide better access and allow the entire collection to be housed in one bespoke space.

“We desperately need more space to look after our objects and this is an opportunity for us to work with the community to design a facility that they can be involved in.

We intend for there to be regular activities in the store room itself where members of the public can come face-to-face with objects that aren’t on display in the main museum. For example, selecting objects for exhibitions, taking part in demonstrations, talks, tours and workshops – all taking place in the heart of the new store.

As well as the activities, the new extension will enable us to bring the artefacts into one dedicated space where we can take the best care of them to preserve them for future generations.”

— Charlotte Dixon, Museum Curator

Community input is key

During the development phase, the museum connected with local people to gather feedback on the building’s design and discover how the public might like to get involved once the new store was up and running. Now it is time to put those ideas into action.

“ The museum prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive place to visit, but unfortunately this isn’t currently reflected in the collection stores. This grant will enable the construction of a brand new, sustainable and accessible store with space to run community activities enabling visitors to experience behind-the-scenes in the museum and to engage further with the history of the town through the objects we care for. It will ensure the collection is preserved now and for future generations. 

Following a year of consultation with the public we have taken on board and adapted plans for the building and the range of exciting and unique activities that we will be running throughout the three year project and beyond. 

We are excited to start this project and will soon be fundraising to support the grant. We look forward to sharing progress and to welcoming you into our new store soon!” 

— Charlotte Dixon, curator

Having completed the consultation year, the museum will now use the full National Lottery grant to build and fit out an environmentally sustainable museum store and community space.

“ The creation of a new accessible collections store at Newton Abbot’s museum will not only safeguard the town’s rich heritage for future generations, but also open up exciting opportunities for the community to engage more deeply with the museum’s remarkable collection. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project builds on the success of the transformation of Newton’s Place into the Newton Abbot Museum that we know today. It reflects our commitment to supporting inclusive, sustainable heritage spaces that bring people together.” 

— Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South, The National Lottery Heritage Fund