A MAJOR new tourist attraction is being planned for Minehead with a museum twice the size of the existing one if Somerset Council agrees to a change of use for two prime site shops in the town, museum trustees revealed.

The trustees hope the new Minehead Museum, based on adjoining shops at 40C and 40D, The Avenue, will welcome its first visitors early next season.

Chair of trustees Julian Luke said: "After years of fund-raising and having viewed what feels like most of the commercial premises in Minehead, we have finally got to the point where the museum can take an exciting leap forward.”

An exhibition showcasing the proposal will be held in the Friends’ Meeting House, Bancks Street, on August 14, from 2.30 pm to 7 pm.

More than 80,000 people have visited the museum in the Beach Hotel since it opened in 2014 and there was an urgent need for much larger premises.

The new location, currently occupied by T2T Clothing and Poppins children’s community shop, will more than double the display area, and provide storage and work space and an area for meetings and events.

Mr Luke said: “Displays will be expanded, and the installation of touch screens will allow visitors to view our large collection of photographs of old Minehead.

“The extra space will also enable us to show exhibits currently in store, and a gallery area will allow more paintings to be displayed.

"With double the space, free entry, and a prominent position on the main street, this will provide a real opportunity to boost museum use for the benefit of residents and visitors.

“We are already considering a programme of events for the new season and are delighted to be in the position to secure a long-term home for the museum which will be open all year round.

"If everything goes to plan, we will have the chance to undertake restoration work on a number of existing items during the winter.

“The new space might even be able to house the cannon that were dug up last year from Minehead Harbour and need a permanent home.

“All those who have worked hard over the last few years, both in fund-raising and in keeping the museum open, are really excited by the future opportunities.

“We would like to thank everybody who has donated to the premises appeal so far and there will be the chance to sponsor new projects as things progress.”

Outline plans, submitted by Architectural Studio SW Ltd can be seen on the Somerset Council planning portal.

The proposal would amalgamate the two shops into a single commercial unit with a doorway forming a link between the two.

Externally, the property would be largely unchanged, except for alterations to signage.

The planning application stated: “Other than minor internal alterations, no changes are proposed to the building.”

In the meantime, the present museum will remain open seven days a week during August from 10 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday.