Meeting offers chance of museum revamp preview

A personal guided tour with the museums and galleries manager will be available between 4pm to 5pm and will show off some of the historical features of the building.

The museum has recently undergone the first phase of an extensive programme of development, refurbishment and restoration supported by the council's capital programme.

The old two-storey services tower and metal fire escape have been demolished to make way for a new three-storey tower housing new visitor facilities and a passenger lift.

All displays had to be carefully removed to allow the work to take place and as a result a stunning period room was revealed on the ground floor with original wood panelling.

Large sections of the ornate ceiling plasterwork had to be carefully restored and because the building is Grade II listed historical materials had to be used for the repairs including plaster containing horsehair.

In addition to all of this work, a disused area of the museum has been transformed into a new education room for visiting groups of schoolchildren and adult learners.

The building is also the first of Kirklees's museums to benefit from a biomass boiler which burns wood pellets and produces low carbon emissions.

The meeting of the area committee will take place at the museum from 5pm and also on the agenda will be the findings of urban design architects Bowman Lyons who, after six months work and consultation with residents, will reveal their ideas for the town centre.

Chairman of the Dewsbury Regeneration Board Paul Kane said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank all the Dewsbury people who are getting involved and throwing their ideas and support behind plans and ambitions for a new Dewsbury.

"'We've also recruited some fantastic regional talent to work together with local people and this is truly an exciting time for our little town."

The meeting will also include an area committee budget report and will appoint a new committee chairman. There is free parking in the park and refreshments will be available.