Eco Museum

3 October 2007

A HERITAGE consortium is bidding to open a £2 million interactive “eco museum” in the former Youth House in Hebden Bridge.

The group, led by Pennine Heritage, wants to transform the redundant building into an internationally famous facility charting the cultural landscape of the Calder Valley.

“We think the museum will be a tremendous asset to local people, especially schools, but also believe it to be of world-wide significance,” he said. “It is first and foremost local, significantly regional, and to an extent national and international.”

Mr Fletcher said the museum would tell the story of geology, climate and human activity in the Calder Valley from the 12th century to the present day.

Audio, visual and material exhibitions would be used, possibly alongside performances by actors, and a series of guided historic walks could also start from the building.

The initial idea came from a Calder Futures public meeting held in Hebden Bridge, where a wide range of community groups pledged their support.

Other groups in the consortium include Hebden Bridge Local History Society, The Alice Longstaff Gallery Collection, The Alternative Technology Centre and Walkers Action Group.

“There have been all sorts of ideas as to what else could be included in the museum, even perhaps the history of sport in the valley,” said Mr Fletcher, who added money for the museum’s upkeep could come from an on-site shop selling heritage prints and other keepsakes.

“We will be looking for support from banks, building societies and other organisations to perhaps research and develop their own history,” he added.

Mr Fletcher said a number of buildings could house the museum, but the former Youth House, which closed in 2001 on health and safety grounds, is first choice.

“We would be in the shop window of the town. The building is not in bad condition, although there is work to be done, but most importantly it is right next door to the library,” he added.

The consortium members have already held talks with Calderdale Council, who own both the library and Youth House, about shared access between the two buildings.

“The project will take a long time to complete, but given we are talking about a thousand years of history, what is a couple more years?”