Published on Thursday 10 October 2024
Image: artists interpretation of the redeveloped Poole Museum.
Poole Museum has appointed Jaine Fitzpatrick as its new Interim Director to guide it through the rest of the £10.3million pound redevelopment project.
The museum, which is owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, has been undergoing a major transformation since its closure in 2022, supported with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The redevelopment includes the conservation, restoration and remodelling of all three of the museum’s listed buildings, with Jaine’s new role providing the vision and strategic leadership required to see the project through to completion.
Jaine will also lead the museum’s reopening, scheduled for summer 2025, and oversee its transition into a sustainable future.
Jaine brings extensive experience from higher education, charities and local government services, with a background in strategic planning, change management and long-term business transformation.
Her leadership will be pivotal in implementing a 10-year forward plan for the museum, ensuring a strong focus on all aspects of culture, commerce and community, whilst aligning with the council’s core values and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Commenting on her appointment, Jaine said:
“I’m delighted to be taking on this challenging role at the museum. It’s an exciting time for the museum, staff and volunteers, and I look forward to delivering on everyone’s expectations as we work towards reopening next year.”
A key part of Jaine’s role will also involve overseeing a comprehensive financial strategy and business plan, which will aim to significantly increase the museum’s income by enhancing its commercial and enterprise activities, all while maintaining the museum as a free to enter destination.
Jaine added:
“I’m passionate about broadening participation, growth and accessibility for all, and I’m eager to help Poole Museum become an award-winning cultural centre and thriving community space for residents across the BCP area, as well as a must-visit attraction for visitors to our region.”
Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, welcomed the appointment, saying:
“It’s great to have Jaine on board to guide Poole Museum through the important first steps of re-opening this vital part of Poole’s future.
“Her experience and leadership will be invaluable in ensuring the museum continues to be a vibrant cultural asset for our community and visitors to our area, and the completion of this project will mark a significant milestone in preserving Poole’s heritage while creating a dynamic space that will inspire future generations.”
The £10.3 million redevelopment is expected to transform Poole Museum into a leading cultural venue, contributing to the vibrant heritage and tourism offerings in the BCP area.
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Notes to Editors
Poole Museum
The museum is located in the heart of Poole’s Old Town and Quay. The Museum comprises the Grade II listed Oakley’s Mill a Victorian grain mill and warehouse, the Grade I listed medieval Wool Hall, Grade I listed Scaplen’s Court and gardens, and Sir Anthony Caro’s impressive quayside Sea Music sculpture.
Collection highlights include a unique Iron Age log boat, internationally significant artefacts from 16th and 17th century shipwrecks, the world’s finest public collection of Poole Pottery and a fine art collection of local artists including Augustus John and Henry Lamb.
The redevelopment of Poole Museum is majority funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with other funding coming from Arts Council England, Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone and BCP Council, UK Government Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, The Fine Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation, Talbot Village Trust, The Headley Trust, The Steel Charitable Trust, Pilgrim Trust, Poole Museum Foundation, The Valentine Charitable Trust, Alice Ellen Cooper-Dean Charitable Foundation, Wessex Museums, Poole BID, and Poole Arts Society.
Poole Museum is one of the most popular free museums in the South of England.
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Find out more about Poole Museum here.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in their strategic plan, Heritage 2033 here.
Over the next ten years, they aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
They help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
They are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
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Find our more here www.heritagefund.org.uk