The intention was to gather together a number of collections from groups and individuals, as well as the local collection, into one place. This would for the basis for a museum and gallery, making Woking’s heritage publicly available. In 2001, a site was donated by the local authority and a new building was created to house a permanent museum and art gallery, as well as two gallery spaces for temporary exhibitions. The main objectives were to build a community focused heritage and cultural space within Woking with an emphasis on learning and outreach work.

Our funding has helped create 17 permanent jobs and an annual economic output of £900,000.

The original creation of 100 volunteer posts on opening has increased to 160 volunteers working at the museum 10 years on.

Since it opened, the museum has continued to attracted additional investment, including further funding from us and funding from the Arts Council. In 2008 it won The Art Fund’s Museum of the Year, and the prize money from this was used to create a new gallery space.