Tudor House has been secured thanks to a £3.5million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Tudor House and Westgate Hall (formerly known as Tudor Merchants Hall) are being renovated with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Southampton City Council. The hall, which re-opens in October 2010 will benefit from many improvements including a lift and ramp, making the first floor accessible to mobility impaired people for the first time. There will also be new toilet facilities. The venue will have a strong education focus and will be an invaluable new resource for schools. It will also be available for hire, and bookings are being taken now.
Specialist contractors, Linford, are currently on site at Tudor House to install new services and visitor facilities in the building, with new displays that will tell the story of the House and the people who lived and worked in it. The new museum will be fully open by late summer 2011.
Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said:
“Tudor House is one of our best-loved buildings, and the council have been working hard to ensure that it can reopen as a regionally important museum. Once completed Tudor House will be a truly magnificent attraction, not just for local people, but for tourists as well.”
Michelle Davies, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the South East, said:
“This landmark building is steeped in history and it is held in great affection by the people of Southampton. Our grant will help ensure that future generations will get the chance to enjoy it and to explore a treasure trove of collections that chart the growth and changes of the city, its people and their museum.”
Tudor House is arguably Southampton’s most important historic building, encompassing over 500 years of history on one site. The impressive timber framed house was built at the end of the 15th century by Sir John Dawtrey.
Tudor House has undergone a £1.9million restoration scheme, which has been funded by the council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage. The work which was referred to as phase one, was carried out by specialist contractor Linfords between March 2007 and May 2008. Repair works incorporated traditional techniques along with more recent technology.
What is planned?
Phase two of the project will develop the building into a popular visitor attraction.
Tudor House museum will become a welcoming and enjoyable visitor attraction with new facilities, displays and experiences which will tell the story of the house and the people who lived and worked there.
There will be lots to appeal to residents and visitors to the city. Visitors will be able to enjoy a cream tea over looking the beautiful gardens from the new café.
A new lift will make the first floor accessible to disabled people for the very first time. Improved toilet facilities including those for disabled people again will make improve the visitors’ experience.
There will be opportunities to book the café, gardens and function room events such as small weddings, cocktail parties, birthday parties, meetings and seminars; A wonderful setting for both business and social functions.
The project also includes a removable canopy which will allow King John’s Palace to be better utilised throughout the year. Again this will be a venue suitable for a wide range of events from theatrical performances to music recitals and exhibitions.
What’s the Timescale?
Tudor House and Garden will open its doors once again to the public in the summer of 2011.
How is the Project Funded?
In addition to the Heritage Lottery Grant of £3.5m Southampton City Council are planning to invest a £1.8m to the project.
How can I book the venues?
Tel: 023 8083 4536, Arts and Heritage Admin Team
email museums@southampton.gov.uk
Southampton City Council
