The Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds, England is set to embark on a long-term planning process that could pave the way for a renovation and expansion of the site.
The UK’s largest independent medical museum has secured new funding of more than £420,000 from grant organisations led by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The support, which includes £249,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will enable the museum to explore how it can care for and develop its Grade II-listed building, increase visitor numbers, and plan for a sustainable future for its collection over the next 30 years.
Museum's expansion plans
It will go towards two connected strands of work – the early stages of a long-term planning process and the development of a long-term fundraising campaign.
As part of the renovation and expansion plans, the museum will look into upgrading and replacing the roof of the building, and investigate the potential for an additional floor.
"This announcement comes at a hugely exciting moment for Thackray," said Edward Appleyard, chief executive of the Thackray Museum of Medicine.
"As we prepare to celebrate 30 years since opening, this support gives us the time and space to think ambitiously about what the museum can become over the next three decades, and how the museum and its collection can best serve our visitors and the wide-ranging communities – from healthcare professionals to diverse Harehills residents – around us."
He added: "Looking ahead to 2027, this new support will allow us to build on our progress by rethinking how our spaces are used, open up more opportunities for people to connect with our collections, and work with communities, creatives, researchers and partners to make Thackray even braver, more accessible and more sustainable for the future."
Helen Featherstone, north of England director at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the support will allow the museum "to work towards a strong and resilient future, as it marks its 30th anniversary".
"It is fantastic news that Thackray will put their visitors and local communities at the heart of their plans to shape the future of this much-loved heritage attraction," she added.
