Craven Museum & Gallery, which is managed by Craven District Council, has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a £2.1m project which aims to provide state of the art facilities titled Stories and Treasures of Street and Dale.

The project aims to transform CCraven Museum and Galleryy, which is part of Skipton Town Hall, making vital improvements to the visitor experience and making its collections more accessible, showcasing the vast heritage in this part of the Yorkshire Dales.

Development funding of £98,000 has been awarded to help Craven District Council progress its plans to apply for a full grant of £1.4m at a later date. This project will realise the potential of a very significant and varied heritage in the museum's collections. A far reaching and innovative programme of activities will enable local people to celebrate their heritage, and contribute directly to the displays that will populate the museum.

[quote=Cllr Simon Myers, Craven Council's Lead Member for Enterprising Craven]"Redeveloping Craven Museum and Gallery is a cornerstone project in our vision to transform Skipton Town Hall into a cultural and heritage hub."[/quote]

Cllr Simon Myers, Craven Council’s Lead Member for Enterprising Craven, said: “We’re delighted that HLF has given us this support which offers us the opportunity to achieve something of the very highest standard for our residents and visitors. Redeveloping Craven Museum and Gallery is a cornerstone project in our vision to transform Skipton Town Hall into a cultural and heritage hub. Across Craven, a host of heritage sites are waiting to be celebrated. Many of our partners and organisations are excited about the project and recognise the immense impact it can have on them and their heritage.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and the Humber said,: “Thanks to National Lottery players this much loved museum can plan accordingly so if successful its fantastic collections and the heritage of Craven can explored by all.”

Created in 1928 and located in Skipton’s impressive 1860s town hall, Craven Museum has wonderfully significant and diverse collections: rich archaeology and geology, and awe-inspiring objects which reflect the stories of distinctive landscapes, towns and villages.

As well as inspiring people from the area, improving the museum facilities will encourage a greater number of visitors to the district, building on the £20m contribution the district’s creative industry already makes to the local economy. The integrated tourist information centre will combine with an online digital platform to reveal and promote a wide variety of undiscovered heritage in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Museum and Gallery was in strong competition with a number of other projects and now has up to two years to develop plans for the project before applying for further investment. In addition to the work supported by HLF, Craven District Council is currently working on plans for other parts of the building with a view to delivering a vibrant programme of live events and arts workshops as well as showcasing the area’s heritage in a variety of exhibitions.

To have your say on future plans, visit the Craven District Council website.

Further information

Jenny Cornish, Communications Manager, Craven District Council, on tel: 01756 706 315 or via email: jcornish@cravendc.gov.uk

Chloe Hampson Ward, Programming and Venue Manager, Skipton Town Hall and Craven Museum and Gallery, on tel: 01756 706 222 or email: cward@cravendc.gov.uk