Locals to have their say on shaping future of Lyme Regis Museum

A project to build an extension to the museum - known as the Mary Anning Wing, will cost around £1.6m and will be part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A public consultation will take place next weekend for locals to have their say on activities and plans that will shape the Mary Anning Wing.

Building work for the project is planned to start in autumn 2016, with the aim to be open to the public by the summer of 2017.

"We are really excited about our plans to extend the museum" said Lyme Regis Museum director David Tucker.

"Beyond building much-needed space and facilities for the public, the project offers us the chance to work in partnership with local residents, schools and community groups to develop some great activities and resources that will make the museum even more relevant and interesting to local people."

To help better understand what local residents think about the museum and ideas designed to help bring the collection and buildings to life, museum officials are inviting locals to take part in their public consultation. For those wanting to hear more about the plans, a drop-in session will take place on Saturday March 14 between 10am and 12.30pm.

A formal public consultation, as part of the pre-application planning process through West Dorset District Council will take place in April. A date and time is yet to be finalised.

The museum has been awarded a Stage 1 pass by the Heritage Lottery Fund for an award of £755,000 - part of £2.9m of National Lottery funding invested in West Dorset, Purbeck, Weymouth and Portland projects last year.

Additionally the museum has been awarded a grant of £75,000 from Dorset County Council and the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum have pledged £50,000. Other Trusts and Foundations are being approached and a major public fundraising campaign is in place.

A website has been set up to outline the project, and to give the public a chance to have their say at lymeregismuseum.co.uk/MaryAnning