The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £1.43million to transform and relocate the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment Museum, it was announced on Friday 22 June.

Stuart Eastwood, curator at the museum, and John Stevenson MP were both on hand to hear the news.

Thanks to this support, the museum will be re-housed within the Alma Block at Carlisle Castle – which was originally the Regiment’s Institute, including a canteen, library and bar for the soldiers. These new premises will create the space for a transformation of the museum into a 21st century heritage attraction.

For the first time 80% of the museums collections will be able to be displayed – the size of the current location means that only half of the collection can be on display at any one time. A new research centre will also be created, where photographs and archival information can be examined and digitised by volunteers. The new space will also house an interactive family-friendly education and resource space, so visitors of all ages will have the chance to learn about the history of the regiment.

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “We at HLF are delighted to be able to support the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment Museum in their plans to relocate and revitalise Cumbria’s Military Museum so that more people from across the community have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the proud history of these local regiments. Over the last 18 years HLF has invested over £9.9million to projects across Carlisle, including support for the Cathedral, Tullie House and the recently reopened Cumbria Archive Centre. This has had a huge impact both in preserving the local heritage of the city and in boosting Carlisle’s offer to visitors from further afield."

Further information

Contact Roland Smith, Communications Manager at the Heritage Lottery Fund, email rolands@hlf.org.uk or 020 7591 6047.