HLF grant awarded to well-being centre to return heritage to Worksop’s defunct museum

The project aims to return heritage to the 1938 Grade II listed, purpose-built library and museum in Worksop for the first time since the museum was closed in 1983.

Now, with the HLF development funding of £131,300, Aurora Wellbeing Centre will begin to build relationships with other museums in the area, some of which hold part of Worksop Museum’s collection, and source material for future exhibitions and displays, which will be open to cancer patients and the general public.

The heritage and health project will then be able to create new ways for the people of Worksop and users of the Aurora Wellbeing Centre, which moved into the building in 2012, to engage with the heritage of the area.

The project will also renovate the architecturally important building, create new interpretations and return heritage objects and heritage activities to what is already a valued community building.

As well as this the team plan to create a new space within the centre for the people of Worksop to celebrate their heritage including physical displays and an innovative virtual museum to tell the stories of the Old Library and Museum.

“We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support,” said Chris Wanless, the charity’s chairman. “The Wellbeing Centre has given the town a central hub for the community, working in partnership with the Local Council, College, Library and heritage partners to provide a wide range of services. Whilst our central commitment remains to support people undergoing their Cancer journey, our location in Worksop allows us to provide a wider range of services and interact and interface with other vital aspects of community, such as heritage and connections to heritage, to improve wellbeing for all.”

The team can now begin to plan in more detail heritage activity, volunteer programmes and partnerships to significantly broaden opportunities for engagement with local people and users of the centre and develop innovative work exploring heritage and health.

The Old Library and Museum was designed in a Moderne style, using Art Deco and Classical elements, by J Haslam, a local architect. The interior was neatly divided between the museum to the east and library to the west.

The restoration, repair and conservation of the locally valued Old Library and Museum building will make a significant impact on the conserved heritage of Worksop, ensuring its use for future generations.