The initial work included repairs, re-roofing, glazing, insulation, and the installation of solar panels to make the museum more sustainable and protect its historic buildings for the future.

The museum is undergoing a £7.7m redevelopment with grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone alongside contributions from many other organisations.

Phase two work includes urgent conservation and restoration alongside remodelling of all three of the museum’s historic buildings, plus the creation of new displays and visitor facilities.

Other changes include moving the museum café to the ground floor of Scaplen’s Court, part of Poole Museum, where there will also be a larger public events space for weddings and events.

Building works will be completed in summer 2024 ahead the redevelopment of the museum’s three new maritime galleries, new ceramics gallery, and temporary exhibition gallery.

The museum is expected to open in spring 2025.