Sunderland attraction SOS: Culture chiefs looking at options to save Monkwearmouth Station Museum

Council chiefs say they are looking at options to preserve the historic Monkwearmouth Station Museum after fears the facility was set to close.
Monkwearmouth Station MuseumMonkwearmouth Station Museum
Monkwearmouth Station Museum

Sunderland City Council faced a backlash earlier this month when it was revealed the Grade II-listed former station could close in the wake of Government cuts.

John Kelly, the senior councillor responsible for culture in Sunderland, said at the time: “This isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, but it is one of the really difficult choices we are having to look at because of government cuts." Read more here.The news sparked a campaign to save the facility from closure, including an online petition gathering hundreds of signatures.Now Councillor Kelly is moving to reassure residents that "despite falling visitor numbers and £46million Government cuts," the council is "working with partners" and "actively looking at options" to "preserve and maintain" the building and its collection.

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He said: "Monkwearmouth Station Museum remains very much open for business”.

"I have to say that speculation around the museum's demise hasn't been particularly helpful to the work going on behind the scenes to secure its future, particularly when we have been very clear that no decision has been made to close.

"We said last year as part of our vision and delivery plan for Sunderland Museums and Heritage Service that we would be reviewing what's on offer at Monkwearmouth Station Museum with a view to establishing a modern 21st century museum service that widely celebrates the city’s history and heritage and that is something we still very much want to do.

"Culture is such an important part of everyday life in Sunderland. We very much recognise that museums, and the history and heritage they celebrate, are integral to our cultural offer."