A key point in the development of the new Museum of Bristol will be reached this week when the regional head of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) - one of the museum's major funders - will approve and sign off work to date on the project.

Nerys Watts, HLF Manager for the South West, will be visiting Bristol on Wednesday, 17 June to go on a site tour of the £26 million development. Museum staff will be updating her on progress with the restoration and construction programme, plans for the interior design of the museum, and on development of the museum's stunning exhibits and content.

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"We have reached a crucial point in the development of the project when HLF need to approve our approach so far," explained Julie Finch, Deputy Head, Museum of Bristol.

"The new Museum of Bristol is a key project for the south west. We have been awarded £11.3 million, meaning our new museum is massively important not just to the people of Bristol but to the HLF too. HLF recognises the importance of the Museum.

"We have made enormous headway with the project. With each week that passes the building looks more and more like the finished product. Most of the glazing has now been installed and the 97 original red doors have now been restored and re-fitted. The feature red staircase in the main entrance foyer is now in place and the Learning Suite is taking shape, as are the three galleries and temporary exhibition space on the third floor. We're delighted and excited by the progress."

(CD/JM)