ONE museum in Leicestershire which has been called a ‘jewel’ of the city could soon look very different.
The Moira Furnace Museum is set to undergo a £2.4million investment and will add a and café to its site.
Moira Furnace in Ashby opened in April after previous renovations Credit: Alamy
New renders reveal plans to build a new visitors site at the musuem Credit: NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
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The is a well-preserved 19th-century iron-making blast furnace and historical landmark that is now a museum set in a huge .
The Moira Furnace Museum in reopened in April after undergoing the first phase of its regeneration project which took just over one year.
It needed £490,000 worth of repairs after water damage – but as much as £2.4million could be invested for phase two.
The development could see a new visitor centre built with and a play area for children.
Also included in the plans are additional storage facilities, improved parking with electric vehicle charging points and canal structural safety works.
Councillor Mike Ball (Con) told the committee that the improvements would make a “big difference to the future life of the furnace” and it was “one of the jewels in [our] crown”.
The Ashby Canal at Moira Furnace, Leicestershire, England, UK Credit: Alamy
There is a phase three plan too which includes a new “basement entrance area” as well as “monument interpretation and “.
The sits on a 36-acre country park and inside the attraction is a chance to learn about the 220 year old iron blast furnace.
The attraction is actually considered one of the most significant surviving monuments of the Industrial Revolution.
Inside are spaces taking visitors back to the time it was used, including how the site looked 200 years ago.
There are activities for children too like dressing up or trying one of the seasonal trails around the site.
Museum tickets for adults cost £4 and £2 for children (between 2-18 years).
While the proposed visitors centre is set to have a new café, there is a takeaway spot within the museum shop.
The heritage boat on the canal offers trips on the water Credit: Alamy
Here, visitors can pick up hot and soft drinks as well as sweet treats like cake and ice cream.
Outside on the country park are woodlands with paths and picnic spots.
Alongside the museum is a and visitors can even take a trip on a 100 year-old narrowboat.
The heritage boat called The Joseph Wilkes offers 15-minute trips along the water.
Tickets cost £4 for adults, £3 for children (between 2-18), and family tickets are £12 (for 2 adults and 2 children).
The museum and boat rides are open from April until late October with the country park being open year-round.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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