A NEW state-of-the-art project in Dorchester could be about to receive a major funding boost.

The decision to approve a grant and loan to support a major development project for Dorset County Museum has been deferred twice by the West Dorset District Council executive committee.

But councillors are set to discuss funding for the project for the third time at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday. 

Although the council remained supportive of the project, members have been cautious and requested more information before committing to the funding. 

A £150,000 grant and £457,000 loan have been requested by the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for its ambitious project for the museum. 

Since 2010, visitor numbers have doubled and therefore the society has embarked on a project to maximise the potential of the range of historic buildings that it occupies between High West Street and Colliton Street in Dorchester.

Entitled ‘Tomorrow’s Museum for Dorset’, the development aims to include new galleries, state-of-the-art storage facilities, a new learning centre and a new shop and café.

It is estimated to cost £13.2million. It was awarded a £9.9million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which is conditional on the society securing pledges for 90 per cent of the remaining £3.3million from other sources by May 2017.

Currently the society is actively engaged in a major fundraising campaign and is seeking grants from a range of private trusts, foundations and high-net-worth individuals. 

To date, the project has secured pledges totalling more than £1.3million.

In addition, the project received £25,000 from Dorchester Town Council and £100,000 from Dorset County Council.

The money would be from the council’s corporate projects reserves. The loan is to cover any revenue deficits during the disruption of the build period.

Dr Jon Murden, director at Dorset County Museum met with chairman of the committee, Cllr Tony Alford, after the meeting in March to discuss the deferment.

He said: “It was clear from this discussion that WDDC are keen to support the museum in this project, and that this deferment is to do with compliance with WDDC’s internal procedures. 

"The information requested by WDDC was supplied to them by the museum as requested in full in February, but I understand WDDC was unable to complete its due diligence process in time for the meeting. 

"We completely appreciate why this was necessary and that WDDC’s procedures need to be completed properly. Both the museum and WDDC want to see this project happen.”

Dr Murden has been invited to WDDC’s upcoming meeting to answer any questions that may arise.