Repairs could be carried out to a museum tower “ to prevent further danger” after parts of it collapsed.
Natural History Museum, High Street, Colchester has been partly closed off after the tower damage in September 2024.
Colchester City Council says there’s a “ a clear and urgent requirement” for council funding for the works. Councillors will discuss the plans on March 11 and are recommended to approve the project.
A report ahead of the meeting states the issues were caused by “poor previous repair” where modern methods and materials have been used.
The report, by Patricia Barry, the council’s director of estates, says given the Natural History Museum’s Grade II listed status and its “importance”, maintaining its structural integrity, safety and operational capability is “essential.”
The Natural History Museum is a highly visible and valued civic landmark, and any significant investment in its preservation and improvement “is likely to attract strong public interest”, according to the report.
It comes after the museum re-opened to the public in September after “ a lengthy closure” for improving works.
The building was closed to allow contractors to assess and make safe the historic church tower, after masonry fell from the structure last year.
The papers for this week’s meeting add: “During the construction phase, careful communication will be required to manage public expectations around access, noise, disruption and temporary changes to the use of the building.
"Updates on programme milestones, phasing and any impacts on museum services will help maintain confidence and reduce the likelihood of negative perception.”
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