Alistair Hardaker
Image: Poole Museum (BCP)
Seven-year project doubles public space through restoration of historic structures, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
Poole Museum will reopen on 5 November following a seven-year, £10 million heritage-led regeneration project that has conserved and restored three historic listed buildings whilst more than doubling public space without new construction.
The project, which began in 2018, has seen the conservation, remodelling and restoration of Oakley’s Mill, Scaplen’s Court and the medieval Town Cellars. Funding has been provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Arts Council England, Historic England and other charitable foundations and grant providers.
Jaine Fitzpatrick, interim director at Poole Museum said the transformation is “just the beginning”.
“We’ve reimagined the museum’s physical spaces and now we’re just as ambitious about what happens within them. From bold programming to deeper community connections, the new Poole Museum isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to belong, to create, and to be inspired.
“From the very beginning, we’ve worked to ensure the museum reflects the creativity, curiosity and diversity of the communities it serves. It’s a place where stories are shared, ideas are sparked, and everyone feels welcome. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved and even more excited for what’s to come.”
The reopening will include three new maritime galleries, with the Poole Iron Age Logboat, nearly 10 metres long and the largest ever found in Southern Britain, now on open display. The museum will also feature displays of maritime archaeological collections including timbers, finds and cargo from three protected shipwrecks, alongside two flexible galleries supporting touring and temporary exhibitions.
Key improvements include level access across the ground floor of all buildings, a larger lift in the main museum and a new lift in Scaplen’s Court providing access to previously unreachable areas.
Scaplen’s Court & Garden and the museum shop opened in July as part of a phased opening, alongside the museum’s new café. A soft-launch testing period is taking place ahead of the 5 November opening. Admission remains free.
Adam Gent, senior relationship manager at Arts Council England, South West, said: “This is a pivotal moment for culture in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and a powerful example of what local investment and partnership can achieve.
“Poole Museum is a cornerstone of the subregion’s visitor economy, and this transformation will bring lasting benefits for residents and businesses for many years to come.”
