Council approves £1m repairs to history museum

Repairs are due to be carried out on Colchester's Natural History Museum at a cost of more than £1m.

The former All Saints Church, which houses the attraction, has been surrounded by scaffolding since masonry fell from its tower in September 2024.

Approving the works programme, Colchester City Council warned key parts of the Grade II-listed building's flint exterior, roof and tower were at risk of collapse.

Lee Scordis, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and environment, said making it safe was "the right thing to do".

At a meeting on Wednesday, the local authority's cabinet unanimously agreed the repairs should be carried out.

"They will keep the museum safe, open and welcoming for the families, schools and visitors who rely on it," said Scordis, a Labour councillor.

The nave and chancel of All Saints Church, in Queen Street, are said to date back to Norman times.

It was shut for a year after the masonry fell in September 2024.

Workers would replace the church's roof and repair its exterior during the project, which the council had wanted to start as soon as possible.

But it said planning permission and a contractor would have to be sought first.

The venue is already due to close in 2027 for redevelopment and will reopen again in 2029.

"The Natural History Museum means a great deal to our city," added Scordis.

During the same council meeting, councillors also agreed not to rebuild a collapsed weir in Castle Park.

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