A popular north-east visitor attraction’s plans to expand could be given a boost by Aberdeenshire Council this week.
The team at the four-star Grampian Transport Museum in Alford launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to modernise its visitor reception, and create an educational space, display area and cafe.
Now members of the council’s policy and resources committee are being asked to support the museum’s efforts to become a five-star attraction – by awarding two year’s worth of funding at once so the project can be completed in time for the 2016 season.
VisitScotland have said they will promote the museum, which opened in 1982, to a five-star facility if the front entrance is given the much-needed upgrade.
So far the museum’s team has raised £210,000 of its goal and are determined the facility to be upgraded by the 2016 season, when a new programme of events targeting motoring fans of all ages will be launched.
Councillors will be asked on Thursday to approve bringing forward revenue from two sources so the development can be completed as soon as possible.
The centre receives £22,500 in grant aid from the council every year to provide learning opportunities.
Officers are recommending members sign off on handing the 2016/17 and 2017/18 payments over in advance to support the delivery of the project. This would be complimented by a £15,000 fund from VisitScotland.
Maria Walker, director of education and children’s services, said: “GTM propose to develop their building to improve the customer experience and enhance educational access, with a view to strengthening their financial resilience.
“The museum is confident it would make up the shortfall of £60,000 over the next two years but their board believes the benefits to the museum and the area provide a strong rationale for commencing the work now, in order to be ready for the start of the 2016 season.”
GTM chairman, John Rahtz, said last night he was grateful to the council officers for backing their plea for assistance.
“This follows the long-term support they’ve always provided to a key four-star visitor attraction,” he said.
“The new visitor reception will provide a greatly enhanced visitor experience and will also allow us to showcase the museum’s educational output – a key aspect of the museum’s charitable standing”
Planning permission for the facility is already in place and tenders have been awarded.