Sharon Ament, the director of the museum, said organisers had the backing of the Mayor of London and the Corporation of the City for proposals which could see it move to Smithfield, where a £160 million office and retail development was vetoed last year, by 2021.
“We need a new museum,” said Ament, who expects visitor numbers to soar to more than two million people if the idea goes ahead.
“We are creaking at the seams, we’ve been so successful.
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“We do not currently have the space to present our collections properly or demonstrate the research behind them.
“Our visitor numbers have doubled in recent years and continue to grow; our schools programme is at capacity.
“We need to build a museum that has more gallery space so we can put our three million objects on display. We can’t think of a better place than Smithfield General Market.”
Launching a new public consultation website including the thoughts of chef Ainsley Harriott and England footballer Rachel Yankey, Ament said the museum hoped to “stand more firmly on our own two feet”, ensure its venue and galleries are “up to the challenge” and create an “unrivalled experience”. The mooted move is part of regeneration plans for the Smithfield area.
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| The General Market has been facing demolition since 2005 |
“Of course there are many issues to be resolved before opening a new museum, not least of which is a proper negotiation on the price for the site, as well as a number of other conditions being met,” she cautioned.
“With this new ambition we enter the most exciting time so far in the Museum of London’s history.”
Boris Johnson was absent from the announcement. But the Mayor said the switch would allow the “cultural gem” to “unleash its full potential”.
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