Museum plans raise over £14,000

Organisers behind the drive to create a new museum for Knaresborough are celebrating raising over £14,000 in their Crowdfunder.
St Robert and the Trinitarian Priory Concept visual for Knaresborough Museum Association January 2021St Robert and the Trinitarian Priory Concept visual for Knaresborough Museum Association January 2021
St Robert and the Trinitarian Priory Concept visual for Knaresborough Museum Association January 2021

Knaresborough Museum Association’s Crowdfunder to raise funds for their proposed new heritage centre on the ground floor of the former Castle Girls’ School, raised £14,065 with 239 supporters in 83 days.

Other donations, including from Sir Graham Hall, Knaresborough Relief in Need, the Chamber of Trade and other community groups and individuals, swelled the funds by nearly £16,000.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Although KMA will need further funding to undertake all their planned work, having originally set a target of £35,000 in January, KMA Chair Kathy Allday was upbeat.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support in the form of donations and offers of help that we have received and can not thank everyone enough for this.

“We are optimistic further funding will also be forthcoming which will allow us to forge ahead with our museum plans.”

The Knaresborough Post recently reported that their plans for the community museum and heritage centre, which will tell the story of local lives and heritage, hit a major obstacle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lease negotiations with building owners Harrogate Borough Council stalled over the authority’s intention to charge a commercial rent to the charity.

The council said it had already offered a £15,000 discount from the regular commerical rates.

And Coun Graham Swift, cabinet member with responsibility resources, enterprise and economic development, said that the council already funds the current museum.

“The next few weeks will be crucial in their campaign as KMA undertake final negotiations with Harrogate Council over the lease,” said Kathy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Team KMA are positive that with good will on both sides, an agreement can be reached.

“KMA will then update everyone in more detail about their museum plans in early May.”

The new museum aims to be the perfect companion to the Court House Museum and Castle creating in effect a cultural quarter and educational resource for Knaresborough.