The Dorman Museum is set to close at the end of this week for vital refurbishments and renovations.

The temporary move follows a cash injection of more than £310,000 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND).

The grant will allow the Grade 2-listed building to undertake urgent repairs and upgrade services that will safeguard the building and its collections and visitors.

The popular Middlesbrough museum has seen one of its most successful years to date in 2023, enjoying thousands of visitors from far and wide to its Titanic and Brick by Brick exhibitions.

Middlesbrough Museums manager JR Bowes said: “We are delighted to have been successful in our application for the MEND grant.

“This vital injection of funds will allow us to future proof the museum for generations of visitors to come.”

Jane Tarr, Director North, Arts Council England, said: “I’m delighted that we have awarded a grant to Middlesbrough Council from the Museum Estate and Development Fund to enable essential repairs and improvements to the Dorman Museum.

“Middlesbrough is one of the Arts Council’s Priority Places for investment and this award will allow both the local community and visitors of all ages to continue to enjoy the great collections the museum houses in a more accessible and welcoming environment.”

Ten projects have been given priority for the MEND grant, with some already being completed.

So far, new CCTV cameras and hearing loops have been installed and repairs to the external steps have been made.

The next phase will include repairs and refurbishments to the passenger lift and the accessible toilet. The internal staircase will also be upgraded to improve accessibility.

To accommodate the works, the building will close temporarily from the end of the Christmas holidays and will reopen in Spring 2024.

Teesside Archives who are housed inside the building on the ground floor will also temporarily close for the same period.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the Dorman Museum social media channels for regular updates on the repairs and renovations.

· www.facebook.com/DormanMuseum

· www.instagram.com/middlesbroughmuseums

Licensees, pub managers, security and bar staff are invited to a series of events to have a say in making their environment safer. 

Join Carole-Ann every Wednesday 12-1 on CVFM as accompanies you for an hour with some great tracks. 

Join Akin every Wednesday 1-2 on CVFM for Flight Africana as he takes you on a beautiful journey through the continent of Africa.