By KLTV Newsdesk
If you could design your own museum or gallery to showcase the best of Huddersfield, what would it have in it?
Well, now you can have your say as Kirklees Council have announced they are seeking public opinion on how to display Huddersfield’s remarkable stories of past and present in the future.
There is a new survey where you can share your thoughts online on the council’s website running from now until Monday 7 December 2020.
If anyone is struggling to take part online, they can also request a copy of the survey by post, or in large print, braille or audio versions by calling 01484 223210.
A new museum and gallery is set to be a big part of the town’s regeneration, as set out in the Huddersfield Blueprint published last year.
This new museum offer will be in addition to and complement the recently announced plans for a National Rugby League Museum in the George Hotel.
Cultural Heart
The new museum and gallery’s exact location is yet to be decided but the council says it will be part of the town’s ‘Cultural Heart’ area.
In order to start planning, the council is inviting everyone to share their views on what would encourage them to visit.
The survey is part of a wider public engagement programme being carried out by the council’s Museums and Galleries team, working with specialist museum consultants.
This public engagement is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Resilient Heritage programme and is part of the Bringing out the Best project, which is developing long-term strategic plans for heritage across Kirklees, including Oakwell Hall, Bagshaw Museum and the existing Huddersfield Art Gallery and Tolson Museum.
What does the survey look like?
The questions being asked cover the following themes:
- What would encourage you to visit a new museum and gallery?
- What stories from our history, heritage and culture should be told?
- What facilities would make it a fantastic place to visit?
- What is special about Huddersfield and how can we show the world who we are?
‘Best Visitor Experience’
Cllr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture said: “It’s important that we understand what would make people visit out museums in the future, this survey isn’t about locations it’s about experiences; museums tell the story of us through both every day and more unusual objects.
“They provide a unique insight into how much towns and communities like ours have changed over time. Successful museums offer the best visitor experience and that is why we need to know what would make you want to visit a museum on a regular basis.”
National Heritage Lottery Fund
The survey is being carried out as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project to support the development of a holistic strategy for heritage across Kirklees.
David Renwick, Director, England, North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“Here at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we understand the importance of listening to communities to find out what heritage means to them and how it should best be reflected in our museums, collections and other heritage activities.
“We’re really pleased to support Kirklees Council’s ‘Bringing Out the Best’ project and ensuring it does just that for the people of Huddersfield.
“It’s fantastic news that these public surveys will ensure that Huddersfield’s rich heritage can play its rightful part in the town’s placemaking renaissance, and we’re proud to be investing in that too.”