For several years we have been planning improved access to No. 2 Battery, our Victorian gun battery home. As a Listed grade 2* building, it has taken some time to finalise plans but we are pleased to say that work will be commencing in October this year.
The work will include ramp access from the outside of the building to the front door and a lift at the entrance that will enable visitors who cannot manage the stairs to safely arrive and leave the building. When the work is completed, No. 2 Battery will have an attractive new frontage with ramp, steps and newly planted shrubs.
At the same time, some internal work will be undertaken to attempt to resolve the damp issues that are so common with Victorian buildings of this nature.
The work is due to begin in a few weeks’ time. As a result, the Museum will have to close one month earlier than planned. The last day that we will be open to the public this year will be Sunday 1st October.
Our opening date next year is currently uncertain. If the damp issues are successfully dealt with, it will permit us to extend our displays further into the currently unused parts of the building. The ‘new’ museum will be redesigned to tell not only the story of diving, but also that of the building itself – the last remaining gun battery of the Stokes Bay Lines.
We will keep you abreast of progress through posts on our website and social media and look forward to the day when we can welcome you back.
