The Royal Armouries museum in Leeds has purchased the land it operates on for £11.69 million and revealed plans to develop the waterfront site.
The purchase of the freehold, funded by a government loan via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, includes the waterfront buildings adjacent to the museum.
Nat Edwards, director general and master of the armouries, said the government loan to buy the land outright “is an investment in the future”.
“It gives the Royal Armouries full control over the museum site for the first time and puts the organisation in a better position to drive future development for the benefit of Leeds,” said Edwards.
Situated in Leeds Dock, the museum is a cultural landmark and will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
Per a press release, the land purchase will allow the Royal Armouries to further develop the site and stimulate major economic growth in Leeds and beyond.
The Royal Armouries is considering the creation of new multi-use riverside arts, events and conference spaces.
“With ownership of the land secured with a government-backed loan… the next step is to secure investment to substantially increase the capacity to grow conference, event and hotel capacity at Leeds Dock,” Edwards added.
Royal Armouries to stimulate economic growth
Museums Minister Chris Bryant said: “I’m delighted that the Royal Armouries are moving ahead with this ambitious and exciting scheme.
“It will make much more long-term economic sense and enable one of our great museums which families love to visit to flourish long into the future.”
Royal Armouries has sites in Leeds, the Tower of London, and Fort Nelson in Hampshire.
In Leeds, it houses a huge collection of arms and armour, and displays more than 4,500 objects across its five themed galleries.
Images courtesy of Royal Armouries
