Southend museum’s ‘crumbling’ walls to be repaired
Mick Ferris
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Southend Central Museum
is to undergo extensive repairs after walls, windows and sections of
the roof were found to have seriously deteriorated.
The council
applied to make improvements to the central museum on Victoria Avenue
through a planning application which describes parts of the museum as
being “in a poor state of repair”.
It goes on to describe
“crumbling stonework” and falling roof tiles that need replacing.
Several windows are also noted as being “close to collapse” and
in need of urgent replacement.
A detailed survey of the building’s
condition carried out in June also highlights serious concerns about
the building’s condition and estimates that the cost of the repairs
will be £195,136.
It states that “masonry is in a deteriorating
condition with little evidence of repair or maintenance” and the
windows are “in need of repair and refurbishment”.
Councillor
Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism,
said: “The Central Museum was originally a public library, gifted
to the town thanks to the generous sponsorship of Andrew Carnegie in
1905.
“In 1981 it was transformed into a museum, with the
Planetarium added in 1984, and the current Prince of Prittlewell
exhibition and newly opened temporary exhibition ‘Wild Estuary’
are both proving very popular with residents and visitors alike.
“The
building is an important part of Southend’s rich history and as a
Grade 2 listed building, it is vital we carry out repairs so the
museum can continue to serve the residents in Southend.”
Ward
Councillor and leader of the council, Ian Gilbert, said: “The
central museum is an important building that is in itself part of
Southend’s history. It is vital that this building is maintained
properly.”
One of the museum’s biggest exhibits features
priceless artefacts from the burial chamber of a Saxon King which
were found during excavation for a road widening scheme in Priory
Crescent in 2003.
Among the items on display is a 1,400 year old
painted wooden box, plus a set of sixth century dice.
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