Lottery success for Cheshire Archives Service

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies has received the go-ahead from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the next stage in delivering an ambitious new vision for archives.

This decision takes us a step further to realising our exciting plans, which will transform access to the collections and ensure their preservation for future generations.

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies looks after Cheshire's unique and irreplaceable written and pictorial history.

The project – Cheshire's archives: a story shared – will see Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils create two new history centres in Chester and Crewe.

The centre in Chester will replace the current facility, which is no longer fit for purpose, while Crewe will receive a completely new centre.

Locations for the centres have been identified at the site of the former Enterprise Centre, on Hoole Road, Chester, and the site of the old Crewe Library. These sites would service an improved outreach and digital programme, giving greater access to Cheshire's history.

As well as making sure that this is preserved for future generations, the new buildings will create:

• A greater and more diverse range of people using the archive;
• Learning opportunities for residents;
• Opportunities to develop and exchange skills;
• The chance to transform the way the service works; and
• Better outcomes for people's health and wellbeing

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