Leyland's British Commercial Vehicle Museum on track with £2m facelift

Leyland's famous British Commercial Vehicle Museum is set to reopen in October '“ showing off  a major revamp thanks to  a £1.8m National Lottery grant.
Work at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in LeylandWork at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland
Work at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland

Scooping the money has secured the long-term future of the King Street museum, allowing it to reopen all year round.

The £1,836,100, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will bring some exciting changes, including:

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• The 1930s former vehicle finishing shop, which the museum occupies, being saved.

• The badly leaking roof repaired and low energy heating and lighting installed.

• The use of multimedia and interactive interpretation, including hands-on exhibits, dressing up and living history.

• A new café, shop and activity and conferencing space contributing to sustainability and providing space for school visits and activities.

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Museum manager Keith Moyes said: “It’s progressing very well. Changes to the roof should be achieved by early next month.

“The main building contractor is in and the brickies have started to build walls where the new archive is going to be and where the new conference facility is going to be.

“Like all old buildings, you don’t think there’s any issues until you start knocking things about.

“We found a little problem with the windows on King Street, so we’ll be replacing them as well. The lintels are timber so they will be replaced and the windows will go inside as well.

“We did probably slip a month from the original projection which was always a bit ambitious, but we’re hoping by the end of October we’ll be able to open.”