The Somerset Heritage Centre

Transforming access to Somerset's heritage

The new Somerset Heritage Centre will transform access to Somerset heritage.  It is being built on the edge of Taunton at Langford Mead, Norton Fitzwarren.

Consisting of two adjoining buildings, the Heritage Centre will provide state-of-the-art storage for archive and museum collections, as well as greatly enhanced study facilities.  For the first time there will be a one-stop shop for information about Somerset’s past, enabling many more people to learn about and enjoy Somerset’s rich heritage.

Facilities for Somerset Heritage are currently scattered at over 15 locations in Taunton and further afield.  Many of these facilities do not meet current standards, are full, or are on insecure leases.  The new premises will house the Somerset Record Office, museum reserve collections and administration, the Historic Environment Service, technical functions relating to archives and museums including conservation, design and digitisation, the Victoria County History, and the Somerset Studies Library.
 

Work went on throughout 2008 to secure the legal agreements and decide the layout of the site.  Building work started on site at the end of January 2009, and is progressing well.  The Centre will consist of two new buildings, comprising 30,785 square feet and 45,037 square feet respectively.