THE museum was founded in 1901 by the Victorian philanthropist and tea trader Frederick Horniman to house his collection of natural history, anthropology and musical instruments.

An extension was built in 2002 and an aquarium opened in the museum’s basement in 2006.

Now the spotlight is falling on the Grade II listed gardens.

The planned restoration works will see a new learning and community base located in the middle of the gardens as well as a path will lead through the animal enclosure allowing visitors to get closer to the animals.

The bandstand will be re-glazed so that uninterrupted views of the London skyline can be enjoyed from the terrace.

There will be a new musical play area set up and a community food garden established giving residents without access to outdoor space a chance to `grow their own’.

But work on the project is still in its early stages.

The museum has just found out it has got through to the first stage of lottery funding and has been awarded £71,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme.

It will now have to put forward detailed designs for the regeneration project and will then find out whether it will get an extra £907,000 from the lottery.

With some cash coming from the lottery the remaining money for the £2.7m project will need to come from fundraising and from other organisations.

The museum and garden’s director, Janet Vitmayer said “We’re thrilled to have the go ahead to develop our scheme which will restore and upgrade the Horniman’s Gardens and realise Frederick Horniman’s original dream of a truly united museum and gardens.

“The museum’s collections will be reflected within the gardens through new planting and interpretation, a more accessible and improved animal enclosure, a new musical play area, and a space for community and learning activities.

“The panoramic views of London from the restored bandstand terrace promise to be breathtaking.

“This award will allow the Horniman, already one of south London’s most well-loved and well-used landmarks to provide its growing audience and future generations with wonderful rich new opportunities for discovery and enjoyment across a world class museum and 16.5 acres of beautiful gardens”.

When the gardens are complete the museum aims to hold two garden festivals a year, one in spring and one in autumn.

Kirsten Walker, head of collection management and special projects, added: “We’ve done so much work in the museum and the gardens are beautful and we really just want to make it that bit more special.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  • Detailed designs need to be submitted at the end of November
  • The museum will find out next April of May if it is through to the next stage
  • An application for planning permission will go in at the end of August
  • Work should start in autumn/winter next year
  • The gardens should be ready to launch in spring 2012