Weymouth Museum Trust has received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their ‘Creating a Community Museum for Weymouth’ project, it has just been announced today. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project will create a new, permanent home for Weymouth Museum that will offer a vibrant, accessible space that celebrates the town’s unique history, from its maritime and royal connections to its role in shaping Dorset’s cultural identity.
The project will see the return of the volunteer-run museum to the ground floor of the newly restored Brewers Quay and include new galleries, a learning space, shop and café, as well as a museum store. The historic collections will be on display once again after having been in storage since the museum closed in 2020. Development funding of £136,161 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Weymouth Museum Trust progress their plans to apply for a full grant of £2,586,136 at a later date.
Chair of Weymouth Museum Trust, Bob Chedzoy, said:
“We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans to create a new community museum for Weymouth to bring Weymouth’s stories to life for future generations. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped to achieve this outcome; our volunteers, partners, and the many local supporters who have championed the museum’s vision.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re delighted to support Weymouth Museum Trust with this development funding, thanks to National Lottery players. The project will help secure a permanent home for the museum, ensuring its important collections and stories are accessible to residents and visitors for generations to come.
“As a coastal town that is heavily reliant on seasonal tourism, there are challenges around deprivation. This transformation will help to drive the regeneration of the town, adding to the local economy and creating a shared sense of identity and pride. We look forward to working with the Trust as it develops its plans to apply for its full funding award.”
The project will now progress to its next phase, focusing on detailed planning, community engagement, and the creation of new learning opportunities for young people and families.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:
“This is fantastic news for Weymouth Museum and everyone who cares about preserving and sharing the town’s rich heritage. Securing support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a major vote of confidence in the museum’s vision and the dedication of the volunteers, trustees and partners who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. The funding will help create a permanent home for the museum at Brewers Quay, ensuring its important collections can be enjoyed by generations to come.
“Dorset Council is proud to be supporting the project with a £300,000 contribution towards the delivery phase. We have worked closely with the museum over a number of years to help safeguard its collections, support storage and accessibility arrangements while a new home was secured, and provide advice on plans for the museum’s future.
“The museum plays a vital role in celebrating Weymouth’s unique history and identity, while acting as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Brewers Quay and the surrounding waterfront area. Investment in projects like this not only protects our heritage but also drives regeneration, strengthens local pride and creates new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to seeing the museum become an integral part of the revitalised Brewers Quay development, helping to bring renewed life, activity and long-term benefits to the area.”
Weymouth Museum Trust also wishes to acknowledge the invaluable backing of Weymouth Town Council, Lloyd Hatton MP, Brewery (Weymouth) Ltd and the local community, whose enthusiasm and commitment have been instrumental in achieving this success.
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