Next steps for Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens Transformation

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet has approved next steps in the ambitious transformation of Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. 

The City Council heard in September that it had been successful in its bid to secure £5.2m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the redevelopment of the much-loved Museum and Winter Gardens.

This vital funding will support an estimated £13.6m four-year redevelopment of the museum, the plans for which have been shaped by the views of residents and visitors.

The plans will see exciting changes, including the relocation of the main entrance into Mowbray Park, new exhibition galleries and displays, brand new touch-down and social spaces, as well as improvements to the Winter Gardens, external landscape, and public realm.  There will also be the creation of a new community learning facility 'The Growing Space' that will complement the community garden adjacent to the Winter Gardens.

At their meeting today, Thursday 13 November, Cabinet approved an additional £1.4m capital funding on top of the funding already committed for the redevelopment by the City Council, Arts Council and the Friends of Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, should this be required. The outcome of a further funding application, to the Wolfson Foundation is expected to be confirmed in December.

Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: "Having secured £5.2m funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in September, it's incredibly exciting to be moving a step nearer the delivery phase of our much loved museum's transformation. 

"Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens has long been favourite with generations of families across our city, as well as attracting thousands of visitors from further afield.

"These all-important next steps will allow us to press ahead with the exciting four year redevelopment of the museum next year.

"This investment will ensure that the building and its historic and accredited collection is conserved and protected so it can be enjoyed by future generations.   

"Alongside our investment in Culture House, it will enhance our creative and cultural offer attracting more visitors and contributing to our city's economic regeneration and growth."