The proposal includes a new building at the attraction that would feature old and contemporary farming stories as well as Jersey Heritage’s collection of agricultural objects.
Louise Downie, Jersey Heritage’s director of curation and experience, said the project was still in its early stages but the organisation was keen to gauge public response. Mrs Downie highlighted the importance in sharing local stories of our dairy industry and Jersey Royals.
‘Nowhere else in Jersey do we adequately tell the key stories that have shaped our landscape, and continue to play a big part in the Island we know today,’ she said.
‘This is not a commercial investment, it is about a cultural return in terms of engagement and education, for which the site is not efficiently equipped without a dedicated museum building.’
The plans have been designed by historic building consultant Antony Gibb and feature a two-storey building, new courtyard space and new toilet block.
Charles Alluto, chief executive of the National Trust for Jersey, said he was delighted that ‘at long last’ Hamptonne could have a ‘fit-for-purpose’ museum building.
He believes the plan will help efforts to economically recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: ‘As we seek to recover from the pandemic, such heritage and cultural projects present a unique and important opportunity to help kick-start our economy, as well as further develop our tourism offer and skill base.’
Alastair Best, president of the Société Jersiaise, emphasised Hamptonne’s role in safeguarding Jersey’s past.
He said: ‘Hamptonne is one of the most important clusters of vernacular buildings in Jersey; its story needs telling, and this tactfully designed proposal should help to tell it.’
