POOLE Museum is now closed ahead of further redevelopment and conservation work expected to last around two years.

The redevelopment, supported by BCP Council, will transform the museum and provide extensive new and updated community facilities.

Originally, the cost of the project was pencilled at around £7.7m following grants from the National Lottery and Historic England. In May, however, it was reported that rising costs added an additional £1.4m to the budget.

The museum’s three historic buildings, Grade II listed Oakley’s Mill, Grade I listed medieval Wool Hall and Scaplen’s Court, will be restored and conserved while urgent repairs and maintenance are carried out.

Bournemouth Echo: Visualisation of proposed Poole Logboat exhibition at Poole MuseumVisualisation of proposed Poole Logboat exhibition at Poole Museum

New spaces will be opened to the public for the first time, including Scaplen’s Court and Garden which will be open year-round.

A programme of creative activities for visitors as well as new educational workshops developed with local schools are also planned.

Better access forms integral parts of the plans, as a new lift in Poole Museum will be installed – as will an elevator in Scaplen’s Court to provide access to the upper floor of this building for the first time.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, member for tourism, culture and vibrant places at BCP Council, said: “With support from Poole Museum Foundation, [the] museum will be ‘on the move’ during the work. We will be bringing our collections and stories out into the community while the museum is closed.

“We will visit local schools, community groups, parks, open air events, fun days and festivals. There’s lots of opportunities to get involved and find out more about your new museum.”

Bournemouth Echo: Exhibition at Poole MuseumExhibition at Poole Museum

The first phase of the redevelopment includes major re-roofing and glazing works, the installation of solar panels, insulation of roofs and walls and external repairs. This will finish in March 2023.

The sustainability improvements will reduce the carbon footprint of the museum by 25 per cent.

Poole Museum’s galleries closed to the public on December 31, while the Tourist Information Centre and museum shop will remain open in the front atrium of the museum until March 31, 2023.

Poole Museum is scheduled to reopen after the redevelopment towards the end of 2024.