BT (22/8/03)

BRAND new 'retro' is the look one of Hereford's top heritage attractions will be sporting next summer.

A yearlong makeover of the Waterworks Museum at Broomy Hill - now designated a site of national importance by English Heritage - gets underway this week. The centre should be open again by August 2004 with its past much more a part of its future.

Because the rebuild is based around that not made with hands. For all its engines and innovations the museum needs an authentic Victorian ambience - as those behind the project know only to well.

It is why the promise of features 'never before seen' by visitors comes with the prospect of them being seen in something approaching their original surrounds.

English Heritage would not have given the makeover a go-ahead otherwise, the main building being both a scheduled and listed monument.

With money from the Heritage Lottery Fund - and backing by Welsh Water - the new look museum gets a gallery for smaller working engines and a proper workshop for its volunteer engineers amongst its enhancements.

But the education centre is arguably the biggest boost. Somewhere primary pupils and lifelong learners alike can share.

Behind the blueprint is Hereford based architects Rod Robinson Associates.

English Heritage has designated the Waterworks Museum a site of 'clear national importance'.

It was the Victorian water-pumping station for Hereford.

Visitors have until next Sunday to see the museum as it is. Or they can wait until this time next year to see it as it is going to be.