The planned £50m ($69m) revamp of the National Railway Museum in York, UK has been put in doubt after its funding bid for £13m ($18m) to put towards the project was rejected.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has rejected an application from the National Railway Museum for £13.4m to renovate its Great Hall, build the interactive Wonderlab and create a new Open Store.
However, museum director Judith McNicol remains optimistic about the future of the project.
“We will now take some time to review the phasing for the projects that form our vision and how these best fit with the exciting plans for York Central,” she told the York Press.
“Whilst we are disappointed to receive the news that our Stage One bid to the HLF for £13.4m to redevelop the Great Hall and create a new Open Store and Wonderlab was not successful, we remain completely committed to our vision.
“Alongside telling epic stories, we have a vital role to play in engaging the next generation of engineers and helping to plug the skills gap through inspiring young minds.”
The revamp of the museum also includes uniting a site that is currently split into two halves by a road. It would see the road rerouted and a new Central Gallery constructed in its place. Outside the front, a new Museum Square would be created hosting events and providing new café facilities.
“We are very fortunate that there are a lot of people who are very keen on the railways and engineering. They are very keen to support us, which is fantastic,” McNicol added.
“I am very optimistic about the opportunities for other funding given the enthusiasm that has been shown for our vision.”
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/16187250.National_Railway_Museum_s_revamp_hit_by___13m_funding_blow/
