Barnet Museum’s future assured

After years of uncertainty about its future, Barnet Museum is finally being promised security of tenure – a 125-year lease at a peppercorn rent.

Barnet Council’s asset, regeneration and growth committee agreed the move at its most recent meeting.

Mike Noronha, museum curator, said that securing the long-term future of the museum had always been the goal of his predecessor, the late Dr Gillian Gear.

He described the committee’s recommendation as a really encouraging start to the New Year for the museum’s volunteers and its many supporters.

“Security of tenure is one of the vital requirements when trying to secure third-party funding for the museum, and this recommendation is all the more important following the Heritage Lottery Fund’s grant of £98,000 for the Battle of Barnet project.

…very welcome recognition of the very high regard that local residents and visitors have for the museum’s work

“We see the decision as very welcome recognition of the very high regard that local residents and visitors have for the museum’s work and its contribution to explaining and promoting High Barnet’s history and heritage.

“We hope that the very positive outcome we have had to negotiations to secure the museum’s future augers well for the ongoing discussion with Barnet Council over our plans to build a rear disabled access and extension.”

The 125-year lease at a peppercorn rent will be granted in the name of the museum, which is a registered charity and now has its own corporate status