THE redevelopment of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery has reached a key milestone, with agreement to progress with the final design and construction.

Following planning permission and listed building consent being granted last month, the redevelopment of the city museum and art gallery is taking an exciting next step as it progresses to the final design and then construction stage.

The project, which already has £21 Million worth of funding, will establish a high-quality museum and art gallery for the county, with spaces dedicated to hosting exhibitions and displays of local heritage artefacts including the Herefordshire Hoard, education and hospitality areas and a café.

The building will be fully accessible and meet high standards of energy efficiency.

Arts Council England recently announced a commitment of £750,000 to the project to support the building redevelopment work.

This is in addition to the funding already identified - £10.9 million from Herefordshire Council, £5 million from Stronger Hereford, and £5.08 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Further funding opportunities are also being explored, which if successful would further enhance the facilities in the building.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member community services and assets, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their funding towards the redevelopment of the museum and art gallery in Hereford.

“We are committed to supporting arts and culture in the county, and it’s exciting to see continued progress in the refurbishment of the building and the development of new experiences our museum service offers to visitors and the community.”