Essential repair works to Colchester’s Natural History Museum will begin this year - marking another major step towards the museum’s transformation.
Cabinet has agreed to carry out urgent repairs to the tower of Colchester’s Grade II‑listed Natural History Museum, after structural investigations confirmed that key parts of the flint façade and roof are at risk of failure. It is expected the works could cost over £1million.
Why this work is essential
In September 2024, a section of the flint façade fell from the tower onto the east side of the building. Since then, the entire structure has been wrapped in full scaffolding to prevent further collapse and allow experts to examine the damage safely.
Without this work, the tower’s condition will keep deteriorating, increasing the risk of collapse, disrupting museum services and leading to much higher emergency repair costs down the line.
What the approved investment covers
The agreed funding will allow the council to:
- Repair the failing flint façade
- Replace the roof with materials sympathetic to the Grade II building
- Install safe access systems
- Secure scaffolding, heritage approvals, specialist conservation work and professional fees required for a listed building project of this scale
A bid for national MEND (Museum Estate Development Fund) support has been made; if successful, it will reduce the final capital amount required. However, the condition of the tower means the work must proceed regardless.
The museum remains open
The protective scaffolding currently covering the tower is essential for safety – but it has led some residents to believe the museum is closed. It isn’t! The building remains open, safe to access, and continues to welcome families, schools, and visitors from across the region.
Cabinet’s decision means the unsightly scaffolding can come down sooner, restoring the museum’s presence on the High Street.
About the Wild About Essex transformation
The repair work complements the Wild About Essex project – a major £5million project to completely reimagine the Natural History Museum for the next generation.
This once‑in‑a‑lifetime transformation will create new exhibitions, hands‑on spaces for families and schools, and a programme focused on nature, climate and community.
With support already secured from national funders, including Art Fund and the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the project will turn the museum into a more vibrant, accessible and future‑ready cultural destination for Colchester.
These essential tower repairs ensure the building itself is safe, watertight and ready to host the ambitious upgrade residents will see take shape over the coming years.
Cllr Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “The Natural History Museum means a great deal to our city, and these essential repairs are the right thing to do. They will keep the museum safe, open and welcoming for the families, schools and visitors who rely on it.
“Once this work is complete, we can move forward with the Wild About Essex transformation – a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to create a vibrant, modern and inspiring museum in the heart of Colchester.”
What happens next
Technical planning listed building consent and procurement will now get underway at pace. The council will appoint a contractor through a competitive tender process, with the aim of starting on‑site as soon as possible.
Residents can expect:
- Clear updates as phases of work begin
- Advance notice of any temporary changes to building access
- Visual progress reports as repairs take shape
- A timeline for when the scaffolding can finally be removed
This project is part of the council’s commitment to responsible stewardship of Colchester’s heritage assets, ensuring they remain safe, sustainable and accessible for future generations.