A NEW museum is set to take pride of place in the major redevelopment of the Droitwich Spa Canal Basin.

Speaking at Monday night's Town Council community and amenities meeting, leader councillor Pam Davey (Droit. South) said: "I can confirm there are high level discussions underway aimed at bringing a new museum to the Spa."

The site earmarked is next to the canal and very much in line with the re-development plan drawn up by the Droitwich Spa Civic Society last year.

Civic blueprints also detailed how the derelict canalside near Hampton Road could be turned into homes, offices, workshops, a caf, restaurant and craft centre.

Salt-making history

It is thought the new museum will house evidence of the Spa's salt-making history dating back as far as the Iron Age and Roman era.

At the meeting Cllr Davey recommended members also consider a change of use for the Spa's existing museum in St Richard's House, Victoria Square.

Currently the venue holds a static exhibition of the salt-making history, which would be expanded, at the new site. By changing the exhibition in St Richard's House the two museums could work in partnership, rather than in direct competition.

"I suggest we look into having a changing, living exhibition room," said Cllr Davey. "With the current exhibition, once you have seen it, you have seen it, but a changing museum would attract local residents as well as visitors."

She said later: "We will ask the town clerk to write to the county council expressing interest and seeking further information."

However, although Worcestershire County Council own the land, the green light will come from the Heritage Lottery, who will provide some of the funding.

"This is a very nail-biting time for us," added Cllr Davey.

"And we will be very disappointed if the development does not go ahead."

byEmily Bridgewater