MINEHEAD Town Council has backed Minehead Museum’s ambitious plans for a move to spacious new premises in the town in order to become one of the area’s major tourist attractions.

At their meeting last Tuesday, councillors agreed to support the museum’s fundraising appeal, which has already reached about £90,000 in donations and pledges towards a larger long-term home preferably in the town centre, and several sites are already being considered.

The museum has welcomed more than 48,000 visitors since it moved into rooms in the YMCA’s Beach Hotel in 2014. "Now the rising number of visitors and the increasing size and quality of the collections relating to Minehead and Alcombe means we are critically short of space," said museum curator Julian Luke.

"The visitor figures are all the more impressive as the museum was closed throughout 2020 and part of 2021 because of the pandemic. The quality of the displays has also improved year on year.

"The recent additions of an original pier gate, scale model of the pier and a full-size hobby horse have proved very popular but have also highlighted the acute lack of space for displays and storage.

"Social distancing has proved an issue and the compact nature of the building has made class and group visits difficult to organise.

"With improved premises, the museum hopes to be able to become even more of a draw for visitors and locals alike, increasing the educational offer and attracting more visitors to spend time in the town."

Mr Luke said a number of options were being considered as to how to provide the necessary extra display and gallery space. 

He added: "The trustees of the charity have been very encouraged by the early response to the premises appeal with individual donations, including two of £5000.

"We have raised about £90,000 in donations and pledges already but obviously still need to raise more funds to secure a permanent home for the museum.

"We are now also reaching out to local businesses and grant makers but are still encouraging individual donations.

"The YMCA has been magnificent in its support for the museum project and this is a link that we would hope to continue. But we do also have to consider the possibility of a suitable alternative site"  

A donor board is planned in any new premises recording donations more than £1,000 and £5,000. The museum will re-open on Saturday, March 26, and remain open until Sunday, October 30.

Times of opening, details of the appeal and exhibits can be found on the museum website, www.mineheadmuseum.co.uk, or by e-mail - [email protected]