Major improvement works to modernise and enhance a Grade II listed building in Leek will begin this month.
The £3.8 million improvement programme at the Nicholson Institute will include a refurbishment of the entire ground floor bringing it back into use as a flexible, multi-purpose space for events, activities, and community functions.
The library will be redesigned to create an accessible, welcoming environment and support a broader range of services, events and learning opportunities.
A significant modernisation of the museum will also take place, aimed at improving visitor experience, creating exhibition space on the top floor, support the rotation of collections and creating stronger connections with the library.
The building is due to reopen in late summer this year.
The project is being led by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and is being funded by the Government and district and county councils.
Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “It’s great to have reached the point where work is starting and I’m looking forward to seeing contractors on site.
“The improvements we’re carrying out will modernise and enhance the museum and library facilities and services and restore the lower ground floor back to public use, whilst respecting the heritage and fabric of this historic and much-loved building.
“It’s going to be an asset that our residents can enjoy and be proud of and will be yet another fantastic visitor attraction that will encourage even more people to come and visit us here in the stunning Staffordshire Moorlands.”
The Nicholson Institute was built in 1884 as a library, museum and art gallery and, today, its museum collects and displays items relating to the history of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
The latest work follows the restoration of the Robert Timmins murals on the north and south walls of the building which have been cleaned up and restored by specialist restoration company Lincoln Conservation.
The murals depict women reading, playing music, painting, and spinning and weaving with a Latin phrase that translates as ‘skilfulness takes time, life is short’ and date from 1912.
