The proposed development received an initial award of £148,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to conduct consultation work, feasibility studies, and research.
The museum aims to submit a £3.4 million application next year to enhance the visitor experience at the much-loved Coatbridge site, including several key initiatives:
• Construction of a miner's village with cottage exhibitions on various themes
• Development of a miner's welfare hall for functions and community events
• Creation of an expanded learning landscape with interactive site interpretation
• Establishment of new learning, creative, and gallery spaces
Project Curator Neil Ballantyne said: "The 'Summerlee: New Stories, New Audiences, Better Lives' project is now in full swing, and we are seeking input from communities across North Lanarkshire and beyond.
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"We are eager to incorporate diverse perspectives as we progress our plans to redevelop Summerlee. This major project will aim to substantially increase the scope and character of our museum with a new expanded focus on social history up to the closure of Ravenscraig in the early 1990s, a period largely missing from our collections and exhibitions.
"It will concentrate on the daily lives, living conditions, and social dynamics of local people from the post-war era until the 1990s."
Summerlee has been a cornerstone of Scotland's industrial heritage since its opening in 1989, welcoming over 4 million visitors. Spanning 23 acres in Coatbridge, it houses over 80,000 objects, ranging from small toys to large industrial machinery.
Project Engagement Officer Drew Feeney highlighted the importance of community involvement, stated: "Our plans for the redevelopment of the Museum are exciting and far-reaching, and are not only about revitalising our collections and exhibitions but are very much focused on fostering wider community involvement.
"We are thrilled to be able to progress our ideas with our visitors, community partners, and colleagues."
People are encouraged to share their views and participate in the project. Come to Summerlee for National Play Day on Wednesday, 7 August, where project staff can answer questions and provide more information.
