Norton Collection museum

Exciting new look planned for Norton Collection Museum

Ambitious plans to extend Bromsgrove’s Norton Collection Museum have been officially unveiled with the big reveal poised to take place in the spring.

The exciting initiative was launched by Mr Norton, accompanied by Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid and Town Crier Kevin Ward, at the Birmingham Road museum in December.

Adding a welcome 21st century touch to the popular venue, which is run by a devoted team of 35 volunteers, will be an attractive glass frontage, additional space for more artefacts, a coffee shop, lift and modern stairs.

Mr Norton, who is carrying out restoration work on the figures created by the renowned Bromsgrove Guild, famous for producing the Buckingham Palace gates and the Liver Bird statues, said the extension has been on his mind for the past seven years.

“With the museum being so close to the town centre, people will be able to have a look around and have drinks and snacks afterwards,” he said.

“Removing the old stairs will give us much more room and the lift will provide better access for disabled or elderly visitors. The extra space will allow us to hold talks, presentations and evening events in the future.”

Among the new features will be a display celebrating Bromsgrove’s rich railway history. Mr Norton has teamed up with Ron Swift to bring together some unique items including name plates, running boards and even the balcony from the old station.

Cast iron foot scrapers, identical to those outside 10 Downing Street, which were outside the station master’s house are also in the haul, along with the original whistle from much-loved locomotive Big Bertha.

The only surviving member of a group which saved Bromsgrove station in the 1960s, Mr Swift was one of the original voluntary friends of the museum.

Mr Javid praised Mr Norton for bringing the building back to life and said he hoped more people would visit when the new-look museum opens its doors. “All those decisions over the years to collect items relating to Bromsgrove’s past have paid off and are helping to teach people about what the town used to be like. Only by finding out about our past can we prepare for the future,” he added.

Funding is in place for most of the work but £20,000 is still needed for the lift. Anyone who can help should call Mr Norton on 01527 919531.