Hack Green Secret Bunker secures Government grant to stay open

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker near Nantwich is to receive £75,324 in the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The museum, off Coole Lane, Baddington, is one of around 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

Bosses at the venue say it will help the museum to recover from the pandemic and plan to reopen in mid-May.

The museum has been closed due to COVID regulations for nearly six months and for much of 2020, which had threatened the future of the venue.

Lucy Siebert, Hack Green Museum Director, said: “I am so grateful to DCMS and the British public for their support.

“This grant means we can continue the important job of preserving the bunker and our collection for the public to enjoy and learn for many more years to come, without fear of closure.

“In such times of uncertainty it is even more important that people understand the role of civil defence and emergency planning, never mind having a really interesting place to go once we can reopen.

“We’re all very excited to be gearing up now for May and can’t wait to see all of our visitors again!”

The former Cold War civil defence bunker was previously one of Cheshire’s most secret historic sites.

The Culture Recovery Grant will help to mitigate some of the losses of previous lockdowns and allow the museum to reopen fully once regulations allow on 17th May.

The money will fund important repairs, new staff, improve educational offerings and open up the museum to more visitors than ever.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic.

“These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.”