CHRISTCHURCH’S former Museum of Electricity has been named a community asset after a campaign by residents.

The listing will give the community more control over the future of the historic facility, which closed in 2012.

The former Edwardian power station in Bargates is designated a Grade II listed building.

But Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), which owns the museum, said in 2012 that the museum did not fulfil its visitor needs and has restricted disabled access.

A campaign, Mission Ignition, was started by resident Adrian Dwyer and Dr Jan Peters shortly after the museum’s closure.

It calls for the museum to be re-opened as a science and engineering discovery centre.

“I am absolutely delighted that Christchurch council has accepted the Museum of Electricity as a building to be listed as a community asset under the Localism Act 2011”, said Christchurch MP, Chris Chope who has supported the campaign.

“I hope that this will help Scottish and Southern Electricity recognise the great importance which local people accord to this asset.

“It is now essential that constructive discussions are held between SSE and the local community so that a lasting solution can be found.”

Chairman of Christchurch Community Partnership, Sandra Prudom, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the council have accepted our nomination.

“The legislation gives the community of Christchurch the right to bid to acquire the building should the owners ever wish to sell it, but as importantly, it is an authoritative endorsement that the building, and the artefacts it contains, are an asset that the community value.

“I very much hope that the CCP’s success in nominating this asset is an example that other community groups might consider in protecting their village hall or playing field.”

The structure was also highlighted as ‘building of the month’ on the website savebritainsheritage.org.uk.