Councils to consider support to help secure future of Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age
Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Town Council are proposing to join forces to consider support to secure the future of Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age, with Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) seeking a combined funding package of £150,000.
The two councils have been working closely with the HCT, which operates the museum, to identify a long-term solution that protects one of Andover's most valued cultural and heritage attractions after fears it could close without long-term funding.
If agreed, Test Valley Borough Council will provide £100,000 and Andover Town Council will contribute £50,000 to support the museum to remain open through Local Government Reorganisation to March 2029. It is intended that this funding will provide time for HCT to explore more financially resilient and sustainable service delivery options and operating models in partnership with the new unitary authority and Andover Town Council.
The decision is subject to approval from councillors. The borough council will decide whether to approve their funding on 23 September, while the town council will consider their contribution on 9 September.
The request follows recent confirmation that Hampshire County Council has reviewed its support for the museum, in order to help to put the attraction and much-loved local asset on a more secure footing in the years ahead.
Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age play an important role in preserving and sharing the town's story, welcoming visitors, supporting education and providing opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the area's rich heritage.
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: "Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age are an important part of our town's cultural life. They help tell the story of our communities, inspire learning and bring people together. We've been working closely with Hampshire Cultural Trust on a solution for some time and invited Andover Town Council to be part of those conversations from the beginning. Together, we've been determined to find a positive way forward. This planned combined funding from both councils demonstrates our commitment to preserving a valued community asset while giving Hampshire Cultural Trust time to plan for the future.”
Councillor Tony Burley, Mayor of Andover, added: "Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age are important parts of our town’s identity and heritage. Andover Town Council recognises how important the museum is to the town and believes it is vital that it remains a thriving and valued part of Andover’s heritage for future generations. We are therefore keen to work positively with TVBC to give Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) and the museum the best possible chance of achieving this, ensuring that it can continue to celebrate our history and help future generations understand and value the story of our town.”
If funding is agreed, then the two respective councils will meet HCT on a regular basis over the next two and half years to make sure they are progressing a longer-term solution to ensure the sustainability of the museum.