The Arts Council England has awarded the Museum of St Albans £56,000 to help prepare for its move to a new home at the city’s grade II* listed Town Hall.

St Albans City and District Council has already committed £2.25m to the move, with the finances being secured with the development of the current museum site into housing, subject to planning permission.

The museum and gallery is due to open in 2017 and the Arts Council funding will, in the meantime, enable the museum to continue to reach audiences with pop-up shows and touring exhibitions.

It will also help to train staff and improve the way volunteers are involved in the care of the collections and running the new museum.

Councillor Annie Brewster said: “This award will help the museum team continue to engage with audiences while the Town Hall is being transformed into a new cultural hub in the heart of the City.

"It will also help train many keen volunteers to care for and manage our wonderful heritage.

“Work is now well underway to raise funds for the new museum and gallery project.

"We are currently developing architects’ plans which will be used in our application to secure a total of £2.8m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“In addition, the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust is seeking to raise a further £1.7 million through its ‘renaissance: St Albans’ campaign. We also need your help to make the project become a reality.

“Please get involved in this fantastic project by pledging a donation or volunteering to run a fundraising event at www.renaissancestalbans.org.uk.”