Next Steps...
Development Phase
We are delighted to have received initial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for our project. Development funding of £300,748 has been awarded to help us progress plans for the project.
Between autumn 2023 - summer 2025, we will be developing plans for revitalising the Assize Court building and transforming it into an iconic new home for the Museum.
We will be holding community days, including ‘pop-up’ exhibitions and events to seek the views of our community on plans as they progress. These ideas will be developed with Purcell, our appointed architects, along with adjoining owners, Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council.
Our aim is to apply for a full National Lottery grant in 2025 for the project's 'Delivery Phase'. If successful, work would start on the Assize Court building in four years’ time, with a target opening date of 2030.
Proposed Delivery Phase
If we are successful in raising the funds needed, we will enter the project's 'Delivery Phase'. During this phase we will carry out all the work needed to open the new museum.
We will conserve and restore the Grade II* listed Devizes Assize Court. This will include extensive repair work. We will design new and accessible facilities. This includes a designated learning space and a multi-use event and community space.
We will be reaching out to work with new and existing audiences to co-produce displays and activities. This will shape the new museum offer. We will also deliver an exciting programme of activities. This includes volunteering and health and wellbeing course to Devizes and wider Wiltshire.
We will develop new, interactive galleries that showcase the Museum's world class collections and Wiltshire's incredible stories. We will also create a temporary exhibition space that would host a dynamic exhibition programme.
Throughout the project we will working with many stakeholders, including Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council. We will be working together to support the regeneration of the wider Devizes Wharf area.
RIBA 2 Plans
In March 2024 our team of architects drafted plans for the ground and first floor of the Assize Court building, as well as the outdoor space. Highlights of these exciting new plans include:
- Multiple galleries that will house inspiring exhibitions, interactives and installations and bring the story of Wiltshire and the Devizes Assize Court to life.
- A learning and community room, able to be opened separately from the rest of the museum for schools, workshops, evening events or other community use.
- An accessible entrance with wheelchair ramps, as well as the iconic steps leading into the museum reception space and gift shop.
- Lifts on either side of the galleries and multiple disabled toilets, making the museum an accessible space for all visitors.
- A large outside space with room for community growing projects, children’s play areas, picnic tables and outdoor event spaces.
- A café serving light meals and refreshments.
- An events space with room for over 100 people.