The iconic Watt Institution in Greenock will reopen on Wednesday after being closed for a number of months to facilitate the installation of a new lift.
The A-listed heritage attraction in the town’s Kelly Street has been closed temporarily since last October to allow the works to take place.
The intention of the project is to improve accessibility to upper levels for people using wheelchairs or with mobility issues and those using prams.
While work continues on the lift installation, new exhibitions in the Watt Hall and art gallery will be available to view and the James Watt Library will reopen.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of the education and communities committee, said: “I am delighted the Watt Institution is reopening.
“Although the lift is not yet fully operational, it is right that we take the time to do this properly.
“We need to be sympathetic to the listed building and ensure there is no further disruption.
“While the building has been closed, staff have been working hard to bring more of the museum’s vast collection to life, interpreting it for the 21st Century.
“It is also positive news that it is reopening in time for the 150th anniversary of the McLean Museum, which first opened on November 3, 1876.
“I am looking forward to getting back inside and seeing what’s familiar – and what is new – and I’m sure many others are too.”
The museum floorspace will also be reconfigured in the coming weeks, so it can begin welcoming visitors into parts of its exhibition space from October 10.
This phased approach aims to allow the public to enjoy elements of the museum once again while the remaining works are completed.
While the building was closed, staff worked on cataloguing, digitising and building a greater understanding of the museum collections.
Once all parts of the building are accessible again, visitors should be able to experience new displays and an increased number of objects on display.
