Frequently asked questions
If you can't find an answer to your question in the list below, contact us for more information.
- When will it happen?
- How will wheelchairs and pushchairs get in?
- Will there be a lift?
- What will happen during construction work?
- Will the Beaney facade be altered?
- The Beaney is very dark. Will the new Beaney be brighter?
- Will there be more books?
- What about The Buffs?
- Will there be new displays?
- Will there be exhibitions and better exhibitions space?
- Will there be space for local artists to exhibit?
- Will Sidney Cooper's pictures remain?
- Will there be more contemporary collections on display?
- Will there be more natural history displays?
- Will the stained glass in the stairwell remain?
- What about education?
- What about spaces for young people?
- What about the car park for disabled drivers?
- Will there be public toilets?
- Will the name remain the Beaney?
- How can we get involved?
- How can we contribute to the costs?
When will it happen?
The Beaney is scheduled to close for redevelopment in February 2009 and reopen in spring 2012.
How will wheelchairs and pushchairs get in?
An additional main entrance/exit is planned for Best Lane. This new entrance will lead directly into the main circulation area of the new Beaney, with glass lift to all floors and glass atrium casting natural light throughout the building. The High Street entrance has been looked at by a number of access experts and they have concluded that it cannot be made accessible without significantly damaging the historic listed building.
Will there be a lift?
Yes, more than one. There will be a dramatic glass lift in the centre of the building and a separate goods lift to transport exhibition materials. There will also be a large, modern platform lift on the ground floor in an area where the difference in ground levels is too steep for a safe ramp.
What will happen during construction work?
The building will have to close for a period of time - about two and a half years - and alternative provision has been made both for the library and museum.
Will the Beaney facade be altered?
No, it is an important and much-loved part of the listed status of the building. It will be cleaned and restored, to enhance the detailed workmanship. The fine interiors of the Victorian building will also be restored.
The Beaney is very dark. Will the new Beaney be brighter?
Yes, parts of the existing building will be opened out with the removal of partitions or their replacement with glass. There will be new lighting throughout and new decoration, which will give the whole building a lighter feel, and the existing windows at the front of the building will be given a treatment that allows more light in. The proposed new extension will also have an atrium with daylight from a glass roof.
Will there be more books?
Yes, and more space for local studies collections.
What about The Buffs?
The Buffs collection is very important to Canterbury and will stay, but in a smaller amount of space than at present, and better displayed. We hope that in the context of the new Explorer Gallery, many more people will see the exhibits and have an opportunity to learn about the Buffs.
Will there be new displays?
Yes, we are working with Casson Mann, one of the top firms of designers of museums and galleries.
Will there be exhibitions and better exhibitions space?
Yes, there will be more space, with new galleries and better-equipped spaces to show exhibitions and this will allow us to have larger and better displays.
Will there be space for local artists to exhibit?
Yes, this is a very important part of our plans. There will be space and opportunities for artists and craftspeople to showcase their talents.
Will Sidney Cooper's pictures remain?
Yes, they are an important part of Canterbury's cultural heritage and he is recognised as an important artist. A new Countryside Gallery on the ground floor will include his work.
Will there be more contemporary collections on display?
Yes, the museum is collecting contemporary items for the new space and the new, larger Temporary Exhibition Gallery will also include exhibitions of contemporary work in its programme.
Will there be more natural history displays?
Yes, there will be an Explorer Gallery that will include a whole range of objects not presently on display. These will include Anglo-Saxon jewellery, fossils, birds and other natural history specimens.
Will the stained glass in the stairwell remain?
Yes, and it will be conserved.
What about education?
There will be a dedicated suite for education groups and workshops, and a range of interactive hands-on activities throughout the building. We also plan to have a full programme of activities happening at different points of the day and early evening and at weekends.
What about spaces for young people?
There will be a children's library and space for teenagers. Some of the new exhibitions are being developed with families and children in mind. Activities will be focussed on a range of age groups, including children and teenagers.
What about the car park for disabled drivers?
It will remain though there may have to be two or three fewer spaces in that car park, and it is hoped there will be alternative spaces elsewhere.
Will there be public toilets?
Yes, there will be brand new public toilets, including provision for people with disabilities.
Will the name remain the Beaney?
Yes, this is a name that's known, loved and widely-used.
How can we get involved?
We will be doing lots more consultation with individuals and groups. We welcome your views either in these sessions through online feedback forms.
How can we contribute to the costs?
The Heritage Lottery Fund, Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council are already committed to providing significant funds. We do need to raise more funds towards this exciting project, and while most of these will come from trusts and foundations, we hope that individuals will also support the new Beaney. We will be publishing details of how to help us on this website... so watch this space!
The Canterbury Beaney Project is a partnership between Canterbury City Council and Kent County Council.Privacy statement | Copyright © 2008 Canterbury City Council | Contact webmaster