Preston Park museum's new exhibition space to open in September

Following a multi-million pound extension and investment into wider park improvements, Preston Park Museum's new exhibition space will open to the public on Saturday 13 September.

The new, two-storey building provides a space to host national touring exhibitions and showcase more of the museum's fantastic collections, transforming Preston Park into an innovative and inspiring visitor destination.

Located to the west of the Grade II Listed Preston Hall, the new building connects into the popular Victorian Street and includes a new glazed entrance, a gift shop and the new Spence Café.

There will be interactive galleries and an open collection store, presenting hundreds of fascinating objects which have never been on display before. The first floor will incorporate three large inter-connected spaces, equipped with special humidity and temperature control systems for prestigious touring exhibitions

While its staff work hard to undertake the final fit out works, the museum will be closed from Saturday 26 July, reopening on Saturday 13 September with an exciting exhibition programme, set to be announced very soon.

Work on an improved play area, toilets and café in the park is almost complete and all will be open to the public on Saturday 26 July.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the exciting new and refurbished Park Cafe, a new entrance and a covered outdoor seating area over the summer holidays before the museum reopens in September. The brand-new toilets, which include Changing Places facilities, will also be open.

Upgrades to the play area include the installation of new, bespoke play equipment such as a centrepiece element with walkways, seating, rails and a slide.

There's also a large nature activity space and maze for young children, combined with a woodland-themed climbing ramp.

Additional equipment also includes a bug-themed seesaw and carousel style swings for children of all abilities.

A new car park, offering almost 100 extra spaces has also been completed.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We're almost ready to open the new exhibition space which will transform Preston Park into a destination attraction that will bring visitors from around the region and the rest of the UK to Stockton-on-Tees.

"I am delighted that we are able to offer a modern and inspiring new space where residents will have the chance to see national and touring exhibitions on their doorstep, without having travelling far and wide to experience different cultural offerings.

"While the final stage of this important work takes place, it's great that people will be able to come to Preston Park to enjoy the beautiful grounds, visit the new café, soak up the atmosphere and have a lovely day out."

The transformation of Preston Park is being funded after the Council secured £20million of funding for work in Yarm and Eaglescliffe from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.