The hopes of more than 10,000 Somerset residents have been realised as Somerset County Council announced today that the new £6.5 million Museum of Somerset will go ahead.

The project, which will restore Taunton Castle and provide the County with a first-class visitor attraction telling the story of Somerset, has received planning permission and has now had confirmation that it will receive £4.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The current Somerset County Museum will close on April 19 so that the huge task of dismantling, packing and storing every single object can be completed in time for building works to start.

There will be special public events at the Castle over the summer until it is finally handed over to contractors in the Autumn.

Through the Museum of Somerset, Somerset County Council will create an exciting new visitor attraction which tells the story of Somerset from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

Gallery spaces will be fitted out using the latest exhibition design techniques to display the museum’s internationally important collections.  People will be able to access and learn about these in a variety of ways such as through interactive displays.

The new museum will offer much improved services for visitors including a cafe, extended opening times and a large temporary gallery capable of staging national touring exhibitions.  It is hoped that visitor numbers will double to over 60,000 annually.

Much more of the castle itself will be opened up to the public, parts of which date back to the 12th century.  There will be a new Welcome Centre in the castle courtyard and a North Entrance leading to Goodlands Gardens.  There will also be vastly improved access for people with disabilities.

Over 10,000 people backed the plans by signing a parchment scroll.  The project also had the support of television’s Time Team and Most Haunted.  Professor Mick Aston from Time Team launched a public fundraising campaign to raise £250,000 towards the project.

Welcoming the news, Somerset County Council’s Museum of Somerset Project Leader Tom Mayberry said: “It is tremendous news that, at last, the future of Somerset’s past is assured.

"I am very grateful to my team and everyone at Somerset County Council who has worked so hard towards this historic achievement, and to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their generosity.”

Councillor Justin Robinson, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio-Holder for Community and Adult Services, said: “Today’s announcement marks the culmination of years of planning, lots of hard work and a successful partnership between Somerset County Council and the people we represent.

"Over 10,000 people signed the parchment scroll to show their support for the Museum of Somerset, and we’re simply over the moon to be able to tell them we have delivered what they wanted.”

Julie Cooper, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for the South West, said: "Taunton Castle is a quintessential historic building complete with moat, battlements and great hall.

"With the Heritage Lottery Fund’s support, work will be able to begin to safeguard a popular local landmark as well as creating a complementary education and learning programme within the Museum of Somerset.

"We are proud to be helping make this restoration project happen.”