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The £318,000 improvements will increase commercial income and visitor footfall at the historic venue, allowing the council to recoup the costs of the project.
It is expected there will be an increase in catering income through the café and private hire, as well as deliver a broader programme of events to attract paying audiences, and a more popular exhibitions programme.
Development work will see:
- doorways from the café to the house knocked through to link it to the 2 rooms that housed the antiques shop - doubling the number of covers the café can offer
- creation of a route from the tractor shed hire spaces to the toilets, also offering better disabled access
- an additional seating area opposite the courtyard
- gates and hedge planting to secure the garden area, preventing vandalism and offering an event space for weddings etc
- improved access from the courtyard to the tearoom and Dutch Garden for wheelchair users
The antiques shop has moved to the conservatory and it's connecting room in Bantock House.
The café will continue to operate throughout the duration of the works, with minimum disruption.
The council's conservation officer has also made recommendations, which have been incorporated in the plans for the Grade II listed building.
Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: "It is essential we invest in our visitor economy if we are to increase footfall to our city venues.
"Bantock House Museum and Park is one of our most historic attractions and these improvements will encourage more people to go and see its fantastic offering."
The works are expected to be completed during spring 2018, avoiding disruption to visitors during the peak summer months.
- released: Monday 19 February, 2018