Nicholson Institute to reopen after major refurbishment

Leek’s museum and library are set to re-open on Monday 21 September following work to modernise and enhance these amenities and bring the lower ground floor back into use.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has led the project using funding from the Government as part of the wider regeneration of Leek town centre which has also seen significant investment in the health and wellbeing centre, MyActive Leek, and the rejuvenation of the indoor markets.

The project at the Nicholson has been delivered in partnership with Staffordshire County Council, who hold it in trust, manage the library service, and contributed to the cost of the library refurbishment.

The art gallery has also been refreshed and the Robert Timmis mural has been restored as part of the project. The art gallery will re-open in October.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said:

“I’m delighted to announce that we’ll be welcoming people back to the Nicholson in just a few days.

“These spaces have been re-imagined to improve the experience for visitors and library users and they’ve been given a fresh, contemporary look which respects the heritage of the building.

“Collectively, the three regeneration projects we’ve delivered in Leek will ensure Leek has the cultural, leisure and wellbeing, and retail and business opportunities that our communities deserve and that will continue to attract visitors to the town and the wider area for many years to come.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the variety and quality of the amenities we’ve invested in and we can’t wait to for people to return to the Nicholson and experience it for themselves.”

Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:

“It’s great to see the refurbishment completed at the library and wonderful to be able to welcome back visitors.

“We were pleased to have funded the improvements which have helped create a welcoming, vibrant, modern and flexible space that also complements the proud and rich heritage of the Nicholson building.

“The library is now ideally placed and fully equipped to meet local residents’ needs. This means it will remain a bustling community hub by having comfortable study space, quality book stock, and an inspiring children’s library to support future readers for years to come.”

The District Council is working closely with the volunteers in the Friends of the Nicholson Institute group on the future operation and events programme for the museum and art gallery.

More details will be announced, including for the opening of the art gallery, in the coming weeks but if you are interested in joining the Friends please email the group directly at info@nicholsonmuseum.org or follow them on Facebook @NicholsonMuseumAndArtGallery for the latest updates.