NEW plans for Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, which will see it transformed into a destination visitor attraction with regional and national appeal, have been launched.

The museum have teamed up with architects Allies and Morrison to create a light filled development for the Grade II Listed Edwardian building entitled “Let The Light In”.

The project focuses on taking the building back to its original glory, stripping out the the plasterboard panels and fake ceilings that were added in the 60s and 70s and opening up the windows and roof lights that are currently boarded up.

This will open up the entire building into a seamless bright spacious series of galleries to showcase the fantastic collections as well as significantly expanding education and research facilities.

Plans were unveiled to MPs, business representatives, educational organisations and cultural experts from across the region at a special event in the Museum and Gallery.

Martin Randall, Adur and Worthing Councils’ Director for the Economy, said: “With 60,000 visitors each year Worthing Museum and Art Gallery already plays a big part in the town’s local economy. But we think it can be even better.

“These changes could create a centre of national significance in the heart of our community.

“That is great news not only researchers from the film industry, fashion houses and historians who will get access to the wonderful collections but also for our local community who will have an inspirational cultural hub.

“The museum and art gallery will double current visitor numbers to reach 120,000 by the end of 2020.”