Planning application submitted for improvements to Bewdley Museum
News release issued:
A planning application has been submitted for improvement works at Bewdley Museum, designed to enhance an important heritage asset and make better use of underutilised space.
Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to enclose the museum’s entrance porch to create a more welcoming approach for visitors and a flexible, multi-functional space.
The proposed improvements include the installation of two arched glass windows and a glass double door, which will be set in front of the museum’s Grade II listed gates. The newly enclosed space will benefit from added heating and ventilation, as well as any floor levelling needed, carried out carefully to protect the original materials.
Once complete, the upgraded porch will not only enhance the museum’s appearance from the road but also deliver new opportunities for temporary exhibitions events.
The works form part of wider plans to encourage more people to visit Bewdley, spend longer in the town, and enjoy the shops, cafes, and pubs throughout the day and evening.
The council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the proposals on Thursday 4 September, before the planning application was formally submitted on Friday 5 September. The plans are to be considered by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 16 September.
The project is being supported by a £190,567 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and £100,000 from Wyre Forest District Council (subject to Cabinet approval).
Councillor Dan Morehead, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said:
"Bewdley Museum is a much-loved attraction and - subject to planning permission - these improvements will make it even more welcoming for visitors while preserving its unique heritage. By investing in better facilities and creating a new flexible space, we are safeguarding the museum’s long-term future while adding to the vitality of Bewdley town centre.
This project is a great example of how UKSPF funding can help us preserve and enhance community and heritage assets."
You can view the plans via our planning portal, using reference numbers 25/0667/LBC and 25/0666/RG3.
Subject to planning approval, works are due to be completed during spring 2026.
Introduction
ONE Creative Environments (ONE) has been commissioned by Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC) to act as lead designer and multidisciplinary consultant for the retrofit of the main entrance porch at Bewdley Museum.
The project aims to create a welcoming new entrance that enhances the Load Street frontage, attracts more visitors, and strengthens Bewdley Museum as an inclusive destination for both the local community and tourists. The redevelopment will respect the site’s Grade II* listed heritage while improving functionality, enriching the visitor experience, and supporting the museum’s long-term sustainability.
What's proposed?
The main entrance to Bewdley Museum is approached from Load Street. The entrance itself takes the form of an open courtyard, providing access to both the museum on the ground floor and the Guild Hall situated above on the first floor.
The design strategy proposes to enclose the museum’s porch area to create an internal multi-purpose space. This would contribute to a more vibrant and inviting frontage, enhancing both the visitor experience and commercial appeal.
The existing listed gates are being retained and refurbished. Single glazed doors and structural glazing (as seen in the drawings to the right are being fitted to the internal face to provide an attractive internal space, without detracting from the museum’s listed aesthetic. We will also be re-levelling some of the existing clay and stone flooring to provide a more accessible entrance room, suitable for multiple uses.
