The future of Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age has received a major boost after Test Valley Borough Council approved £100,000 in funding on Wednesday evening.
The decision, made by the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 23 September, forms part of a joint £150,000 funding package aimed at keeping the museums open until at least March 2029 while a longer-term and more sustainable future is developed.
Test Valley Borough Council will provide £100,000, alongside a £50,000 contribution from Andover Town Council, which had previously agreed to support efforts to safeguard the museum.
The funding will be provided to Hampshire Cultural Trust, which operates Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age, and is intended to give the organisation time to explore more financially resilient ways of running the attraction in the future.
The two councils are also expected to meet regularly with Hampshire Cultural Trust over the next two-and-a-half years to monitor progress towards finding a sustainable long-term solution.
The decision follows weeks of concern over the future of one of Andover’s most important heritage attractions.
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “We know how much Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age mean to local people. The museum plays a vital role in preserving our heritage, supporting education and helping residents and visitors connect with the story of our town.
“By approving this funding alongside Andover Town Council, we’re helping to secure the museum’s future while Hampshire Cultural Trust develops a sustainable long-term plan. This is a positive example of local organisations working together to protect an important community asset for generations to come.”
Councillor Tony Burley, Mayor of Andover, said: “Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age are important parts of our town’s identity and heritage. Andover Town Council recognises how important the museum is to the town and believes it is vital that it remains a thriving and valued part of Andover’s heritage for future generations.
“We are pleased to be working with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire Cultural Trust to help secure the museum’s future and ensure it can continue to celebrate our history and help future generations understand and value the story of our town.”
As part of the agreement, the two councils will meet regularly with Hampshire Cultural Trust over the next two-and-a-half years to monitor progress towards a longer-term, sustainable future for the museum.
Earlier this month, Andover Town Council unanimously backed supporting the museum after councillors heard that without further investment its future was at risk.
During that meeting, councillors from across the chamber spoke about the importance of protecting the museum for future generations.
Councillor Katherine Bird described the museum as a “huge part of Andover” and warned that once important local assets disappear, they do not necessarily return.
Councillor Robin Hughes also argued that securing the museum for the next few years would provide valuable time for a permanent solution to be developed, particularly against the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding local government reorganisation.
Councillor Mark Farren acknowledged questions from residents over whether taxpayers’ money should be used to support the museum, but said he believed efforts should be made to save it for future generations.
Councillor Luigi Gregori similarly described it as an important cultural asset for the town and said the focus should be on ensuring it survives.
The package approved on Wednesday evening means £150,000 has now been committed between the two local authorities, with Test Valley Borough Council providing the larger £100,000 share.
The museums, housed together in the historic building in Church Close, tell two important parts of the area’s story.
Andover Museum explores the history of Andover and the surrounding area, while the Museum of the Iron Age focuses on nearby Danebury hillfort, one of the most extensively studied Iron Age sites in Britain.
Danebury was excavated by archaeologist Professor Barry Cunliffe between 1969 and 1988, with the museum displaying genuine artefacts alongside reconstructions showing what life at the hillfort may have been like.
The building itself also forms part of Andover’s heritage. The Grade II listed former Georgian townhouse dates from the mid-18th century and was later bought by local philanthropist Martha Gale, who gifted it for use by Andover Grammar School.
Test Valley Borough Council has previously said the museums play an important role in preserving and sharing Andover’s story, supporting education and giving people of all ages an opportunity to connect with the area’s heritage.
The £150,000 package is not intended to be a permanent funding solution. Instead, it provides a window through to March 2029 for Hampshire Cultural Trust to work with the councils and the future local authority arrangements to establish a financially sustainable operating model.
For Andover’s museum, however, Wednesday night’s decision represents an important step towards ensuring its doors remain open while that longer-term future is worked out.