Work has started on a project to bring the disused Preview Gallery at the visitor entrance to Amberley Museum back into use. Thanks to a grant from Horsham District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, we are converting the interior of this disused space into a small coffee shop. Once complete, this will provide a much better welcome for visitors arriving at the Museum as well giving the Museum a source of regular rental income to support our charitable objectives.
The building was originally constructed in 1979, but fell out of use when the costs of staffing and maintaining it became more challenging. By converting the space into an independent coffee shop, it offers a better solution for the Museum and the local community, giving walkers, cyclists, station-users and Museum visitors a place to stop for a drink or snack, even when the Museum is closed.
The plans include the installation of new bike racks and the provision of cycle repair facilities, which will benefit those using the South Downs Way and other local routes, as well as encouraging visitors to the Museum to travel by bike. The proximity of the railway station makes sustainable travel to and from the Museum achievable from across Sussex and beyond, and ties in well with the Museum’s historic transport collections and our own traditional cycle shop.
The works are due to be completed towards the end of February, and we hope the new coffee shop will open in time for Easter.
