Beaney to unveil museum in 2012

UNIVERSITY construction has dominated the city’s press in recent times. Namely, the £20 million project on Reims Way and the demolition of Netto’s and Bamboo Tiger to make way for the Student Union and surrounding accommodation.

However, in the centre of Canterbury, a venture is underway to strengthen the city’s cultural ties and reassert the urban Victorian ancestry. 


The Beaney project will open in spring, 2012, and the construction will include renovating the old library at the heart of the busy High Street.

A new extension will double the building’s size, providing far more space for the expected museum and library services that will be on offer.

The official Beaney website says: “The Beaney Institute has been home to one of Canterbury’s main museums and its library since 1899, and a focus for cultural and heritage activities. It is now in need of major improvement.
“Both the library and museum have outgrown their space. Canterbury’s library is the busiest in Kent but has been operating in cramped conditions. The museum, gallery and art collections have insufficient room for display, with many items stored off site, making them inaccessible to most visitors.
This project will restore and enlarge an important heritage building, providing a fully accessible and attractive facility for visitors and the local community. The Beaney will be transformed into an art museum and library to be proud of.”


The website also gives a number of improvements the library will benefit from, including:

• Careful repair and conservation of this historic building
• Construction of a new extension, doubling the space inside
• Access improvement to all areas of the building
• Creation of a new accessible entrance on Best Lane
• Purpose-built new space for national and international exhibitions
• Addition of new activity and education spaces

The Beaney institute takes its name from Dr James George Beaney who left Canterbury money in his will. The city’s council continue to own the Beaney and together with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Kent County Council have funded the redevelopment.


See the following video for the latest designs and redevelopment so far...