Civil War project hits jackpot

Newark has hit the jackpot and will receive £3.5m for a national museum project, it can be revealed today.

The money from the Heritage Lottery Fund is pivotal to the project to create a National Civil War Centre and museum in the Old Magnus Buildings, Appletongate, which will cost a total of £5.4m.

Applications have been made to grant-funding bodies to help meet the rest. The Friends of Newark and Sherwood Museums are also fundraising.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has been working with architects Purcell on the project that will showcase the area’s role in the English Civil War (1642-1646).

The new museum could generate tourism worth more than £100,000 a year.

It is expected to attract 60,000 visitors each year.

Mr Roger Jackson, the cabinet member for leisure, said: “These are really exciting times. The support of the Heritage Lottery Fund is vital in making that National Civil War Centre a reality, putting the district on the map and attracting more visitors.

“The new museum will provide a hub for tourism, directing visitors to attractions and cultural sites across the district.”

The council’s chief executive Mr Andrew Muter said the project was a key priority and would play a major part in the development of heritage, tourism and the local economy.

He said: “The grant comes at a vital time and will ensure the historic buildings will be conserved for future generations.”

The museum is due to be open in September 2014 with an exhibition commemorating the centenary of the first world war.

The project will use the grade II listed Old Magnus buildings, including the Tudor Hall.

The buildings were used as a grammar school until 1911 when the site was sold to Newark Borough Council for a museum and education offices. They have been empty since 2005.

The project manager, Mrs Bryony Robins, said the scheme would provide a state of the art museum, restore important heritage buildings and bring history to life. She said it would be more than just a museum and would be a place where musical performances and readings could be held.

The Newark Torc, an Iron Age necklace found by Mr Maurice Richardson of Newark with a metal detector, will be displayed in the centre. It is currently on loan to the British Museum in London.

The museum will feature the national story of the British Civil Wars through stories from Newark, which was a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War.

There will be a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Features in the building such as historic graffiti and paintings will be conserved and displayed.

There will also be a café, a community room for evening talks, a meeting room and a learning space for school groups.