Llandudno Museum, owned and managed by The Chardon Trust, was formed in 1926 by the bequest of Francis Edouard Chardon, a local collector who left his house and its contents to the people of Llandudno for their learning and enjoyment.

HLF has agreed to provide £120,000 in development funding with a view to granting a further £862,000 towards the £1.5million project.

[quote=Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF Wales]"The investment in the museum will be a huge boost to Llandudno and the surrounding area, where tourism is such a key part of the economy.”[/quote]

Plans for the project include extending the museum so that a lift can be installed to make the building fully accessible, the creation of a dedicated family friendly space for learning and community use, and providing new and exciting interpretation, together with a programme of new volunteer recruitment, support and learning.

Roy Haley of Llandudno Museum was delighted at the announcement: “We are thrilled to have secured this funding package which will not only allow us to go ahead with the improvements but ensure we can produce a revitalised, engaging and modern experience that will be appealing to all our visitors. We still have to raise more funds to complete the project, but the practical advice and financial support of HLF is a massive help to the museum.

“As we join in the celebrations of Welsh Museums Festival Week we shall want to inspire our local community and visitors from across Wales and beyond to explore the fascinating heritage of our nationally significant town : Llandudno - the Queen of Welsh Resorts.”

Richard Bellamy, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, added: “It seems very apt that as we celebrate Welsh Museums Festival Week we can announce this funding support. Museums are a fundamental to understanding our past, and continuing to develop them is key.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we have the ability to support our large national attractions as well as local venues such as the Llandudno Museum, which play a crucial role in preserving collections and presenting them to the public in an interesting and exciting way. The investment in the museum will be a huge boost to Llandudno and the surrounding area, where tourism is such a key part of the economy.”

Llandudno Museum offers an insight into the past with extensive social history and important archaeological collections from Llandudno and nearby areas, together with a changing programme of exhibitions and supporting activities. Currently the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday – please ring 01492 876 517 for details.

Welsh Museums Festivals Week runs from 24 October to 1 November and will see museums up and down Wales opening their doors and hosting a variety of events and activities, many of which will be free.

To find out what is taking place near you go to museums.wales and take a look at the What’s On section.

Further information

Amelia Taylor 01970 636 407, email: amelia@fbagroup.co.uk.