Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and Central Library reopening

The spaces on the corner of Bold Street and Museum Street have been undergoing vital repairs as part of a major restoration of around £360,000.

The maintenance work has focused on the repair of the Grade II-listed building’s roof but there will also be some new things to look out for such as¬ an update of the collections in the local history gallery, a bespoke mural in the archives search room and three new exhibitions.

Due to its age, the roof of the 170-year-old building could no longer be repaired and needed a complete overhaul to ensure it was safe for visitors and fit for purpose to protect the museum and gallery’s collections.

And a celebration and launch event will be taking place on Saturday, April 23 that will be free to attend between 10am and 4pm.

It will include a family-friendly takeover of the whole building with trails and treasure hunts and drop-in activities such as crafts and storytelling as well as workshops and performances.

The relaunch also means events and special exhibitions can continue as well as the likes of family craft sessions.

The archives and local history services will also be back, where people can search their family tree, the history of their house, or learn about the part of Warrington they live in.

Visitors of all ages will once again have access to the library’s full range of books, information and online resources and the team are looking forward to having the space to host regular groups and sessions as well as one-off events like the upcoming Jubilee Family Activity Day and Litfest.

Some of the roof work which needed doing

The roof now complete following work

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of Culture Warrington and LiveWire, which runs the library said: “The Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and Central Library building is not just of historical importance – its cherished facilities are used by all sections of the community. So we can’t wait to welcome everyone back with our launch event for all the family on Saturday, 23 April.

“We appreciate we have been closed for a long period of time but our top priority was ensuring utmost care was taken to preserve and protect this cultural and educational hub for generations to come.”

Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, said: “Warrington Museum and Gallery and Central Library is one of our literary and cultural gems, and a hugely important asset for local people.

“This refurbishment – in particular the much-needed renovation of the roof – will protect the building for the future and ensure it is fit-for-purpose.

“I’m delighted these works – part of our ongoing work to invest in libraries across Warrington - have now been completed and the building is ready to open its doors once more. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to our family friendly launch event in April, celebrating the start of a new era for the building.”

Whilst repairs have been ongoing, Warrington Museum and Library have been enjoying a temporary home in the heart of the town centre in the Golden Square.

The former USC unit features a condensed version of both the museum and library – a one-stop shop of culture and heritage with carefully curated historic collections, exquisite artwork and IT services.

The temporary unit – which has welcomed around 45,000 visitors – will close on Easter Monday, April 18, as the museum and library make the transition back to their original home.

The pop-up musuem space in Golden Square

However, due to the success of the Pop-Up, opportunities will continue to be explored to not only find ways of attracting those new audiences to the original building but also look at ways other Culture Warrington and LiveWire services can have a presence at Golden Square.

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member responsible for culture, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is one of the oldest museums in the country, and a hugely important part of our cultural offer. This investment has rejuvenated the building and will help ensure its long-term sustainability as a bustling hive of creativity, heritage, learning and culture.

“As the building re-opens to the public, I’d like to thank the staff at our temporary Pop Up Museum and Library in Golden Square. They have done a fantastic job of keeping people connected with Warrington’s unique history and culture while these vital refurbishment works have been carried out.

“If you haven’t visited our Museum and Art Gallery before, there’s never been a better time to dip your toe in the water and discover for yourself the wealth of historical and cultural treasures held there.”

Ian Cox, centre director at Golden Square, said: “Introducing the library and museum offer into Golden Square came at a time when both retail and culture needed to think a bit differently about how we attract more visitors – and worked out perfectly for both of us.

“We have always worked closely with Culture Warrington on events and promotions, but this has really opened up the door I hope to some long term partnerships moving forward. It’s important to me that we support and highlight the cultural offer within the town, but it’s equally as important we make it accessible to all.”