A £19m plan for Swindon’s Western Churchward Village has been given a first-round pass by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) is planning to develop the Grade II listed Chain Test House, an undeveloped part of the Railway Works.
The first-round pass means that the BPMA can begin the development stage of the project and work up detailed proposals ahead of a round two application in 2011. In a tough funding climate, and against unprecedented competition, the project to move the collections into a new, accessible and permanent home has taken a step closer to becoming a reality.
At its peak in the 1950s, Shop 17 – as it was known – dealt with around 57 miles of chain and rope annually.
The proposed museum will join prominent cultural organisations already based at the historic Churchward Village including English Heritage, National Trust and STEAM.
Adrian Steel, director of the BPMA, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund money will allow us to embark on the next stage of this exciting project to bring this human story of communication, industry and innovation to everyone.
“The Chain Testing Works in Swindon is an ideal home for our collections and offers an opportunity to restore and reopen this landmark building.”
