Response to new museum design launch
Answers to popular queries regarding our proposed design for a new museum
After we shared the designs for a new Malton Museum, we invited the public to share their feedback. A number of common themes emerged, which we will answer below.
Q: What is the Listed Building Status ?
A: The Listing description on the Historic England website is clear that only the front of the building is Listed (Grade 2). This means that we can change/ demolish the rear of existing building but the changes must respect the setting of the listed building and its location in the conservation area .
Q: The new designs of the building are too futuristic and inappropriate.
A: These are sketch designs at the moment and will evolve as the project develops. However, they carefully respect the historic burgage plots and local building materials. There will be further consultations with the Estate, Council and local community as the project evolves .
Q: The main access will be from the Market Square. There needs to be a sense of arrival.
A: We are unlikely to be able to make many changes to the front elevation of the building as it is listed. Any signage to the museum will also need to be sensitively designed. At present we have not looked at how our either can be achieved.
Q: Internal Layouts are poor, corridors are narrow, what about fire escapes and changing facilities in all of the toilets?
A: The new museum will need both building regulation and fire regulation approval. These will form part of the more detailed design process leading to applications for planning and listed building consent.
Q: More fundraising will be required. Would it not be cheaper to build on a greenfield site ?
A: Much more fundraising will be required and we are preparing relevant applications which are likely to be to a variety of sources. Public support for the project will be important. The most likely funder is the Heritage Lottery Fund which strongly favours the restoration/ re use of Listed Buildings.
The feasibility study undertaken last year looked at a number of alternative buildings and sites. One of the motivations for seeking a new museum is a desire to be at the centre of Malton, in a place with good footfall. The Fleece building gives us a prominent position in the heart of Malton. A greenfield site would not allow us to do this.
The Fleece emerged as the favoured option and has been strongly supported at the three public meetings that have now taken place.