September 14, 2022 4.32 pm This story is over 24 months old

Plans submitted for expanded Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum

With wider and better views of RAF Cranwell
An artist's impression of the new and improved museum. | Image: NKDC

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum plans to move into bigger and better premises.

North Kesteven District Council has applied to its planning department for permission to convert a warehouse next to the existing museum into an expanded venue, with bespoke cafe and expanded educational  and conference spaces.

If given the go ahead the new build would replace the current North Rauceby facility.

Documents submitted by the council show improved exhibition spaces with wider and better views of RAF Cranwell.

A dedicated retail space and car parking are also included in the plan alongside an outdoor children’s play area.

A new access road off Main Street will help make the museum more visible from the A17, they said.

The new museum would incorporate green energy measures and electric vehicle charging points.

An artist’s impression of the new and improved museum. | Image: NKDC

The development will mark advances in aviation history made by RAF College Cranwell and its servicemen and women, while cementing North Kesteven’s aviation heritage in the heart of Lincolnshire.

District council leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “The planning application, if approved, would see a much larger space made available to display aviation heritage in North Kesteven.

“Should the application need to be put forward for consideration by Planning Committee then I look forward to viewing it in more detail as a committee member.”

The full cost of the project is yet to be confirmed, however, the council says it will be an “oven ready” project which could be completed as soon as all funding is in place and a contractor secured.

An artist’s impression of the new and improved museum. | Image: NKDC

The original museum building will be handed back to its owner once the transfer is complete.

Plans to move the museum into a new space were originally approved in 2017, however, it is understood progress halted in 2020 due to COVID. Renewed approval was given at the end of December 2021.

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum is open Friday-Monday from 10am-3pm.

Exhibits include a Jet Provost flight simulator, Vampire T11 Cockpit, exhibitions and artefacts, and a courtyard area with a Jet Provost aircraft.

Printed copies of the plans will be held onsite and online here.