Leeds museum nets £1.5million lottery grant as development moves step closer

The museum, which is celebrating its 20th year, netted a total of £1.5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards its £3.7million project, A Healthy Future.

The museum has also been awarded an additional £1million from Wellcome, the global charitable foundation which has a mission to improve health.

The project will see the museum, located on Beckett Street, undergo a refurbishment to enable it to excite and inspire visitors from all walks of life, with brand new exhibitions and updated visitor facilities, as well as making essential repairs and environmental improvements to its historic Grade 2 listed building.

Joanne Bartholomew, Chief Executive of the museum, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed its support for the museum.

“Thackray Medical Museum is a major asset to Leeds and the Yorkshire region, and with this money, raised by National Lottery players, we will be able to continue providing an inspirational and fascinating experience for thousands of visitors from all walks of life.”

As part of the project, new galleries will include a modern day operating theatre, which visitors will be able to explore.

The museum will also involve community groups, medical professionals and the medical industry in planning the new gallerie.

The museum has a particular focus on the medical technology industry, which thrives in Yorkshire.

The project will also receive funding for the development from the Thackray Medical Research Trust and the Foyle Foundation.

A further £300,000 of funding still needs to be raised to complete the development.

To find out more about the project visit www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk.