Group starts £3.2m bid for new museum at Rowley's House
A campaign has been launched to secure public ownership for one of Shrewsbury's most iconic half-timbered 16th century buildings.
The Friends of Rowley's House want to spend £3.2 million transforming the 16th century mansion on Barker Street into a modern museum.
It is currently home to Shrewsbury's Museum and Art Gallery – but this is due to move to the Music Hall once a £10.5 million restoration project is completed.
Peter James, treasurer of The Friends of Rowley's House, said plans were afoot to lease the building from Shropshire Council for a 'nominal' amount.
He said it was the group's ambition to carry out a £3.2 million refurbishment.
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The Friends want to create a project-specific trust to pay for the work and have launched an appeal to raise £50,000 to start the project.
The group is in talks with Shropshire Building Preservation Trust and the Shrewsbury Civic Society and so far £10,000 has already been secured.
Earlier this month, it was revealed Shrewsbury Town Council was considering a move to Rowley's House from its headquarters at The Guildhall in Frankwell.
The authority's leader, Peter Nutting, said about £1 million could be spent renovating the historic building for council use.
The Friends will hold a public meeting at Rowley's House at 7pm on December 7 to discuss its plans for the building's future.
