Published: Monday, 18th June 2018
Works to redevelop and expand the Jim Clark Room in Duns will start this summer, with Hawick firm James Swinton & Co Ltd winning the contract for the works.
The £1.6m project is being taken forward by Scottish Borders Council in partnership with Live Borders, The Jim Clark Trust and the Jim Clark Memorial Room Trust.
The existing Jim Clark Room closed at the end of May to prepare for the redevelopment works. Construction will begin in July and the new museum is scheduled to re-open in late spring 2019.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Executive Member for Culture and Sport
“The new museum will be a fantastic facility which will do justice to Jim Clark and all he achieved in his tragically short life and will attract visitors from across the world.
“I look forward to visiting it when it opens next year, and I’m delighted that already this project is having a positive impact on the local economy, with a Scottish Borders firm winning the contract to carry out the redevelopment.”
Funders
We have funded the project alongside:
- The National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund
- Museums Galleries Scotland
- The Jim Clark Trust, including a grant from the Fallago Environment Fund
- Individual donations from around the world.
What will be on offer?
The new museum, which will continue to be operated by Live Borders, will provide:
- Expanded exhibition space showcasing memorabilia and the trophy collection
- Two of Jim Clark’s race cars
- New image galleries
- Film footage
- Interactive displays
- Technology and education zone.
Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of charity Live Borders
“The excitement and interest there is around this project is fantastic and the Live Borders’ team is very much enjoying working in partnership to offer a visitor experience that will inspire and attract Jim Clark fans, motorsport enthusiasts and tourists alike.
“Our newly appointed Learning and Engagement Officer has been busy behind-the-scenes with education and community high on the agenda, as mirrored across the Live Borders portfolio.”
More information
An up-to-date artist’s impression of what the expanded museum, designed by SBC’s architects, will look like is available from our Flickr page, along with a selection of images of Jim Clark and a copy of The Jim Clark Trust logo. Please credit Sutton Images for Jim Clark pictures.
Heritage Lottery Fund applications are assessed in two rounds. A first-round pass is given when HLF has endorsed outline proposals and earmarked funding. A first-round pass may also include an immediate award to fund the development of the project. Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at second-round and as long as plans have progressed satisfactorily and according to the original proposal, an award for the project is confirmed.
From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife, National Lottery players' money is used to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. www.hlf.org.uk. @heritagelottery