Estate pledges its support for Malton Museum

12:34pm Wednesday 16th April 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

• Play Video

Malton's major landowner has voiced its support for the future of the town's museum, despite reviewing the use of its current home.

The Fitzwilliam Estate, which owns the building Malton Museum is currently housed in in the Market Place, has launched a review into its use ahead of the lease expiring in 2009.

But it has said it is keen to see a vibrant museum for the town, making the most of its Roman connections, in the future.

The Estate currently leases the property to Ryedale District Council, which in turn sub-lets it to the museum.

A spokesman for the Estate said: "We have asked both Ryedale District Council and the museum trustees to enter into a consultation on the future of the building.

"Whatever the outcome of the review, the Estate is keen to see a vibrant museum capitalising on the strong Roman connections with the town."

Trustees of the museum and other interested parties have already been discussing new sites for a museum, with the Orchard Fields area, near the new Castle Gardens, a favoured option.

Town and district councillor Di Keal said: "I think it's the obvious future plan because most of the historic parts of Malton are centred on Orchard Fields.

"We've got Roman remains, we've got Medieval remains, so it's an obvious follow on to me to bring everything together and have a new museum on this site."