Refurbishment of Bexhill Museum
| Published: 7th March 2008 20:57 |
Modernisation of Bexhill Museum
Before demolition
Work started in the winter of 2007 with the demolishing of the old 60's office block and various outbuildings to the rear of the site. This took approximately two weeks and proved to be a source of fascination for the museum staff who were around at the time. 
During demolition
Once all the rubble had been cleared away, the task of digging out and filling in the foundations started. At the time of writing this article, the final concrete slab is about to be cast allowing the first of the steel work to be installed.
Reduced to rubble
The original part of the museum dates back to 1903 and has been left untouched by the renovation work. The old 1960's office extension has been demolished and will be replaced with a modern contemporary structure of steel and glass. This works very well as the original structure has a symmetry about it that would be destroyed if the extension was made to look part of it. The addition of the modern extension becomes a part of the renovated building and at the same time has a presence all of its own. All the building work is being funded through the Lottery Heritage Fund, Rother and local fund raising, all to the tune of £1.85 million.
Artist impression of front
The new double storey structure will house the Costume Museum which is at present located in the Manor gardens in Bexhill Old Town. There will also be a local motoring exhibition. One of the stars of this particular exhibit will be an original ELVA racing car that has been found and brought back to its birthplace. This is at present being restored by local enthusiasts and ELVA experts. It is also hoped that more local people will become involved in its restoration. The car was recently shown at last summers Bexhill 100 car show at the Polgrove before the restoration started. It is hoped this will be finished in time to coincide with the museum re-opening in early 2009. 
Artist impression of rear
As its patron, Eddie Izzard will officially re-open the museum when the renovation is completed.
The architects plans and models can be viewed at the Costume Museum at Manor Gardens, Bexhill Old Town. Once the new building is finished and the costume are moved, there are plans to use the free space at Manor Gardens to house a local craft exhibition centre and workshop. The specifics are yet to be decided on.
