NEW MUSEUM EXHIBITION SPACE IN BROMLEY
A new purpose built museum exhibition space will open in Bromley central library in 2016.
The move follows the closure of the museum service at the Priory in Orpington last month.
A Bromley council press release says: “It is anticipated that the re-location to Bromley central library will increase footfall to the museum exhibitions, increasing annual visitor numbers very significantly.
“The £395,000 investment in modern museum facilities is underway and follows agreement at the council’s executive in June.
Bromley’s executive councillor for renewal and recreation Cllr Peter Morgan said: “This new museum space will be much more accessible and comfortable for visitors in a way that the Priory simply can’t be.
“We anticipate that the new museum exhibition space will open next year, mid 2016, which we will obviously publicise nearer the time.”
The press release adds: “The decision to move the museum followed an independent report that confirmed that the Priory building requires substantial restoration and improvements.
“The report concluded that the central library location was ‘unquestionably a stronger location’ for the museum exhibition space.
“Work has been carried out to establish whether any other council uses could be located in the Priory.
“The outcome of this work is being referred to the executive and resources policy development and scrutiny committee in October before a decision is made by the executive councillor for resources.” No mention is made in the release of what has happened / will happen to museum staff. (Source: Bromley council press release)