Update on building projects at the Museum

Those of you who have visited recently may have noticed some of the changes that we are making to the museum estate. This last quarter, we’ve completed the new Home Close toilets which connects the café and The Studio (a learning and meeting room). This includes a state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet, improving accessibility for museum visitors and Stowmarket residents The toilets were officially opened by Mayor of Stowmarket, Cllr Terence Carter on Thursday 10 July 2024.

We’ve also carried out repairs to our Victorian Stables. While these spaces are not yet in a condition internally to open them to the public, we have been able to do works to the outside to ensure that they are protected against the elements. Here is a before and after picture of the cupolas up close.

The Fishing Lodge bridge is now in place, but we have further works to do to the Fishing Lodge itself and to the island before we can open this up. Here are some of the team who have delivered the project – Modece Architects, Gill Associates and Stowe Building Contracts testing out the new bridge.

We always have lots of opportunities for people to get involved and help out. Donations make it possible for us to commission specialist work to historic buildings. A donation of time is also helpful. Repairs and repainting of The Studio space was done with the assistance of staff volunteering from Bury-based GTC on a corporate volunteering day.  If you are able to help out, our next outdoor volunteering day is Wednesday 28 August at 9.30am. If the weather is right, we will be working on the orchard or the Fishing Lodge island. Tough shoes and old clothes are advised! Please email volunteering@foodmuseum.org.uk if you are interested. 

None of the works would have been possible without the support of Arts Council England and the Department of Culture, Media & Sport’s MEND programme, and the support of Suffolk Growth and Mid Suffolk District Council.

You can find out more about our current projects here.