VISITORS to Warrington Museum and Library got a first taste of its new look on Saturday.

The historic venue has benefitted from a two-week revamp to not only give the Victorian building a new look, but increase links between the two services.

The project, which has been a joint venture between Culture Warrington and LiveWire, has seen a number of cosmetic changes to the building, while other changes include a Sunday opening for the first time.

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is one of the oldest museums in the country and a vitally important part of our town’s cultural offer.

“I’m delighted this work, to rejuvenate the building, has been completed.

“It’s about providing an improved experience for visitors, strengthening the link between the museum and library and delivering a true creative hub which makes Warrington’s rich heritage more accessible for everyone.”

Warrington Guardian:

The new children's area

Among the events on the official opening on Saturday were members of the popular 99th Garrison Star Wars group patrolling the building, a ‘Moon-inspired’ dance performance choreographed by Kate Jackson and performed by students from Priestley College as well as choirs, crafts and dance.

And the following day saw the doors open for the first time on a Sunday under the new opening hours that are aiming to improve accessibility to the building for families.

Cabinet Member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “We’ve made a commitment to invest in our libraries, and Warrington Central Library is an important part of that.

“The completion of this work means people of all ages can look forward to an enhanced library experience – from cosmetic improvements and new activity and exhibition spaces, to improved entry and access points and Sunday opening.

Warrington Guardian:

The revamped library

“All of this will be underpinned by collaborative working between the library and museum, bringing the best of creativity, heritage and learning to everyone who visits.”

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire and Culture Warrington, said: “It was fantastic to reopen the doors of the museum and library at the weekend following the two-week revamp.

“Staff have worked incredibly hard to make some really worthwhile changes and additions to the venues, from a new audio-visual screen in the library to arranging three stunning new murals that really help bring the building to life.

Warrington Guardian:

The mural in the museum entrance by Fiona and Neil Osborne of One Red Shoe includes Alice in Wonderland

“We hope everyone who came along over the weekend enjoyed themselves, and we look forward to a bright and energised future for the museum and library.”