POOLE Museum has secured £325,300 funding towards its £3.3 million project to highlight the town's maritime heritage.

BCP Council has welcomed the announcement from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to award initial support and development funding for the 'Our Museum: Rediscovering Poole's Maritime Heritage' project.

The money will enable the museum to develop its plans in more detail and apply for a full grant of £2.4 million.

Overall the museum initiative aims to create an 'inspiring cultural attraction for Poole', featuring cutting-edge digital interpretations and new public facilities.

The grant will enable the conservation of an internationally-important historic building, the display of Poole Museum’s unique collection of four ancient vessels, and the creation of new spaces for visitors to enjoy.

Councillor Mark Howell, cabinet portfolio holder for regeneration and culture at BCP Council, said: “This is very exciting news for Poole.

"Poole Museum’s audiences have doubled since its last redevelopment in 2007 and they have outgrown their existing spaces and facilities.

"This project will enable the museum to meet the growing demand and build on its success in a sustainable way.

"The National Lottery grant will also enable the restoration and reveal of the magnificent Poole Wool Hall, one of the most important medieval port buildings in Europe. When the project is completed Poole Museum will be a flagship for regeneration in the area and the catalyst for the development of a vibrant quay quarter.”

This latest successful bid follows an unsuccessful attempt, lodged last year, to secure £2.1million from the National Lottery.

After learning, in February this year, that bid had been unsuccessful, museum bosses said they would submit another revised bid for the funds.

The £325,300 that has been awarded is in response to that revised bid.

Detailed proposals will next be considered by The National Lottery Fund, during the second round of funding, when a final decision will be made on whether or not to award full funding of £2.4m.

If successful, the museum will forge greater links with the community and the region’s universities to create new spaces, which will include a maritime gallery to share Poole’s maritime heritage.

Stories of boatbuilding, fishing and merchant trades from local people will also be collected for future generations.