At last! Plans lodged for new Stafford history centre
Multi-million pound plans for a history centre in Stafford have finally been lodged.
The ambitious scheme to create a history centre at the William Salt Library has been years in the making with fears over funding along the way.
But now official plans have gone in to Stafford Borough Council.
As part of the plans, part of the building would be demolished and replaced with a new three-storey extension, providing 550 sq m of visitor space.
A new exhibition space and reception will be built in the existing courtyard space between the records office and library building.
Part of a collection previously housed at Shugborough Hall will be moved to the William Salt Library along with records from Lichfield to create a history and archives centre under one roof, under plans.
Jonathan Price, who represents Stafford on the county council, said the new history centre would be a coup for the town.
He said: “There is a massive amount of history in Stafford and so much to tell.”
Heritage officials are keen to showcase the county’s rich history, with work on expanding the Eastgate Street library due to begin next year.
The plans, potentially worth £4m, have been revealed by Staffordshire County Council and the William Salt Library Trust.
It is hoped the project will boost visitor numbers to the town.
Council chiefs said the centre would create ‘imaginative and exciting ways to connect Staffordshire people and their stories’ and ‘share the stories of Staffordshire and its people’.
The library itself will also undergo a minor refurbishment and be incorporated into the new Staffordshire History Centre.
An initial approach to Heritage Lottery has been successful and with the body indicating it would be ready to support the project, a formal bid is being prepared.
