Museum consultation nears its end

The public consultation on the proposed redevelopment of West Berkshire Museum closes tomorrow (Wednesday)

WEST Berkshire residents are running out of time to make their views known on the proposed redevelopment of the West Berkshire Museum.

The public consultation on the designs for the historic Wharf building, parts of which date back to 1620, ends tomorrow (Wednesday), following a consultation period of almost three weeks.

The proposed redevelopment includes the restoration of the historic Grade I listed Cloth Hall and Grade II listed Corn Stores, and replacement of the 1934 link building with a new modern entrance and access hub.

The design team behind the proposed redevelopment of the museum has said it is looking to create a museum for the 21st century and Neal Charlton, of architects Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams, said the modern building would support the two historic structures either side of it.

However, Newbury resident Jean Peach has questioned why the new link building should be modern.

Mrs Peach, of Craven Road, said: “I don't want a modern building between two old buildings. This is our heritage we are talking about.

“I just think it is awful.”

The consultation period also offers people the opportunity to put forward ideas of what they would like to see in the new museum when it re-opens.

Houghton Kneale Design Ltd director, Kate Kneale, said: “We are trying to think about what stories it will tell and what items will be on display.

“It is our job to create a flexible infrastructure that will be capable of changing and updating.”

The consultation period ends tomorrow (Wednesday) and for further information, click on the link below.