Council teams up with university to boost museum project

Tuesday, 29 September 2015 10:46

The University of Hertfordshire has joined forces with St Albans City and District Council to help further plans for a new £7.75 million museum and gallery.

The pricey project in St Albans will see the closed museum move to the modern Town Hall and open its doors in late 2017.

The project has become a cornerstone of a partnership agreement between the university and the council. Other partners include the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust.

Pivotal decisions regarding the Heritage Lottery Funding, and on planning permission, are expected in the next few months.

The university, through Chris McIntyre, Dean of Cultural Affairs, and his team have worked over many years to support the creative life of St Albans.

They are currently involved in planning the public programme of the new museum and gallery as well as the content of the collections and the associated interpretation.

Other partners include Network St Albans – a multi-partner group working on public transport initiatives – and the Green Triangle – an organisation focused on increasing awareness of Hertfordshire as a centre of excellence for green technology.

Town Hall Courtroom

Artist impression of courtroom as a café - by John McAslan + Partners

Councillor Julian Daly, Executive Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Conservation for St Albans City and District Council, said: "The partnership we have with the University continues to grow and deepen.

"The new museum and gallery project is one of the biggest challenges the Council and the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust faces. The involvement of the University greatly strengthens our hand.

"We are also looking forward to continuing our work with the University in other areas such as with the Green Triangle. Both organisations can only benefit from close links."

For more information on the new museum and gallery project, see: http://www.stalbansmuseumsandgalleriestrust.org.uk/

Written by Isaac Ouro

More from Local Vibes: News

The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (21st - 26th April 2024)

Video

Reality TV and high dramas are leading the way in keeping us entertained from today! With new dating formats, musical legends and bargain holidays on the schedule, you can’t miss my top five this week…
Pop up exhibit to showcase outsider artist’s work for the first time

For the first time in over 30 years, the public will be able to see the artworks of Nick Fraser, a pioneer of the outsider art style.
NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.