“A restoration project is underway at a historic Newcastle cultural landmark after securing more than £3 million in Government-backed funding.
Work has begun on the roof of Blandford House, the Grade II-listed home of Newcastle’s Discovery Museum and Tyne & Wear Archives.
North East Museums secured a £3,079,042 grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England.
Newcastle City Council, which owns the building, is contributing a further £865,000 towards improvements to brickwork and windows while scaffolding is in place.
Rebecca Ball, area director north, Arts Council England, said: “We’re pleased to hear that the roof repairs to Blandford House, home to Discovery Museum, are underway and that this amazing building will now be able to continue to welcome both the local community and visitors to enjoy the museum’s collections.
“The Museum Estate and Development Fund enables museums to undertake essential work to safeguard them for the future generations and it is great to see the investment’s positive impact.”
Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “Blandford House that houses the Discovery Museum has been part of our city since 1899 and has fulfilled various roles down the years as a warehouse and headquarters of the Cooperative Wholesale Society.
“It attracts over 300,000 visits a year as the region’s premier science, maritime and local history museum, and plays an important part in telling the story of our city to visitors of all ages.
“However, like all buildings it requires maintenance to keep it in good condition and safe for people to visit, that’s why the council is happy to contribute towards the restoration of its roof.
“It’s six storeys high so this will be a challenging project, but I am confident that when it’s complete the building will be well equipped to deal with future generations of visitors.”
The project, led by Howarth Litchfield Architects and Todd Milburn with John Flowers Ltd as contractor, will protect the building’s distinctive Victorian features, including its copper domes and Lakeland slate roof.
Despite the scale of the works, the museum and archives will remain open throughout, with only occasional short closures if required.
Keith Merrin, director of North East Museums, added: “This magnificent building reflects the story of Newcastle itself, well before the museum was established here.
“We’re very grateful to the Arts Council England Museum Estates Development Fund and Newcastle City Council for their support in the preservation of the listed building for future generations of the area to enjoy.”
“The museum and archives will remain open – it’s business as usual for our visitors, staff and communities.
“Please bear with us while we undertake this necessary work.”
Built in 1899 as the headquarters of the Cooperative Wholesale Society, Blandford House has operated as a museum since 1981 and today serves as the central office for North East Museums, which manages 12 venues across the region.
Completion is expected by spring 2027.”
Article Words by Bdaily Business:
Published 12 February 2026
