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What’s in Store for Newton Abbot Museum?

In July 2024, Newton Abbot Museum was delighted to announce that it had gained support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new year-long project titled What’s in Store?

The £78,952 award – made possible by players of The National Lottery – will help develop plans for a state-of-the-art museum store: an interactive space where the community can get involved in behind-the-scenes museum activities.

Latest update

The team working on What’s in Store? received exciting news in April. The project has been approved to move to the next stage of the evaluation process, meaning it’s full steam ahead to prepare for the full application in May 2025.

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

Over the 12 months following the award, the museum will be connecting 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 is up and running.

“We need your help! Look out for all sorts of workshops, both in the community and in the museum itself, where you can have your say and test some activity ideas.”

— Kate Green, Community Engagement Officer

At the end of this consultation year, the museum will apply for a full National Lottery grant to build and fit out an environmentally sustainable museum store and community space.

“What’s in Store? will continue the positive impact of Newton Abbot Museum’s previous redevelopment project. This next phase is the final piece to create a fully accessible space where the community can come together to learn and celebrate its local heritage. We look forward to working with the project team to progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.”

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

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