Five collections currently scattered across Plymouth – from famous maritime stories to hidden images and film – will be brought together to create a heritage hub at the heart of the city.

Plymouth City Council, which has committed £8million to the plans, has been awarded £14.8m for the transformational project which will see the existing Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library and historic St Luke’s Church become the home of:

[quote= Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West]“Plymouth’s heritage collections are of national and international importance, reflecting the city’s important role in world history.”[/quote]

• The Plymouth and West Devon Record Office which holds records of everything from architectural plans to the cars people drove
• South West Film and Television Archive which reveals secret lives and hidden histories captured on film
• South West Image Bank, home to thousands of images
• Maps, newspapers and folk songs from the Local Studies and Reference Collection
• City Museum and Art Gallery‘s significant art, human history and natural history collections

Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “Plymouth’s heritage collections are of national and international importance, reflecting the city’s important role in world history as well as its own fascinating story. Thanks to National Lottery players, the collections will be brought together with people given unprecedented access to them, taking ownership of how their history is presented.”

Permanent galleries, exhibition space and a new public square will ensure the centre becomes a cultural destination for Plymouth, attracting tourists, employment opportunities and events.

The new centre is planned to open in 2020, in time to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the launch of the Mayflower for the New World.