Funding hope for Middlesbrough's Captain Cook museum

A closure-threatened museum dedicated to the 18th Century explorer James Cook could be in line for new funding.

Middlesbrough Council had proposed shutting the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, or handing it to another operator, in a bid to avoid bankruptcy.

However, the plan was put on hold in February after public opposition.

The chairman of the museum's trust said there was "some interest in possible grant funding" from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA).

Martin Peagam told the council's regeneration scrutiny panel the museum had contacted the TVCA, which is made up of representatives of five local councils and chaired by the elected Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, to gauge interest.

He said there was also a potential private sector donor who was "seriously interested" in putting money into the attraction at Stewart Park.

"I think for the way forward, seeking grants and sponsorship, we have to be open to it," he explained.

A spokesman for the TVCA said it had worked with local authority partners to commission a feasibility study of the region's heritage sector and confirmed the museum "will be part of the review".

It opened in 1978 and tells the life story of the explorer through galleries, exhibitions and events.

A proposed closure was initially included in the cash-strapped council's budget proposals, but thousands of people signed a petition opposing the plan.

The meeting heard the Labour-led council's museums service needs to save £100,000 as part of cutbacks, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mr Peagam said there was significant demand, both nationally and internationally, to visit Captain Cook's birthplace, according to tour operators.

Energy bills, staffing and footfall were the main issues affecting the museum, he told councillors.

In the long term, Mr Peagam said he believed a new, modern museum at the entrance of Stewart Park would be the best outcome.

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