A £5MILLION overhaul of Chelmsford Museum is set to begin, with bosses pledging it will transform the visiting experience.

James Hore

A £5MILLION overhaul of Chelmsford Museum is set to begin, with bosses pledging it will transform the visiting experience.

The funding was approved by Chelmsford Borough Council this year and will see both Chelmsford Museum and the Essex Regiment Museum upgraded.

Visitors have been warned there will be some disruptions and temporary closures during the 18-month revamp.

The borough council's museums manager, Nick Wickenden, said: “We are aiming to maintain our high level of museum service with as little disruption as possible, and while there may have to be occasional, temporary closures of the museum, we will give as much advance warning as possible.”

Christopher Kingsley, the councillor in charge of parks and heritage services, said: “The next 18 months will be a very exciting, but challenging, time for Chelmsford Museum.

“Although there will be some room closures and limited access to certain displays, the new exhibition spaces and displays will make it all worthwhile.

“When the project is completed, Chelmsford will have a better museum that even more people can enjoy for years to come.”

Chelmsford Museum - in the Victorian Oaklands House and Oaklands Park - will remain open during building works this year and next, although there could be some disruptions.

The Essex Regiment Museum will be closed from April 14, so that the contents of the museum can be safely removed in preparation for the demolition of the 1970s extension that housed the museum at the end of June.

It will remain closed until November nest year.

n Events and exhibitions are still planned for Chelmsford Museum during the period of development.

Plans can be seen at the museum, or online by visiting www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums or for more information contact Chelmsford Museum on 01245 605700.