Colchester’s Natural History museum in High Street is undergoing a major redevelopment.
Backed by the National Lottery and Colchester Council, the Grade II-listed medieval church and its outdoor space are set for an upgrade.
All Saints Church will get £300,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to kick-start a planned £5million redevelopment.
Inside, there will be exhibits on Colchester’s natural heritage, from wildlife and habitats to ecology.
The plans include interactive spaces for families, schools and community groups.
The building shut in 2024 after masonry fell from the historic church tower.
Early on September 21 2024, a section of masonry fell from the tower, damaging the pitched roof below and prompting safety inspections and site scaffolding.
After a year closed, the museum was deemed safe for reopening, but it is still surrounded by scaffolding.
The museum is holding hosting a series of public consultations to make the space more welcoming and accessible for residents and visitors.
At the sessions, organisers want feedback on early ideas for design, displays and future events.
Further sessions, which are free to attend but need to be booked in advance, are scheduled for February 28 and March 5.
Colchester Council says the museum opened in 1958 and typically attracts about 30,000 visitors a year.
