Museum and Tourist Information Relocation Project - 2 North Street

Wareham Town Council has completed the purchase of the former NatWest Bank building at 2 North Street, marking a significant milestone for Wareham.

The acquisition secures a prominent town centre site and enables long-planned proposals to expand Wareham Town Museum, create a dedicated Tourist Information Centre, and improve educational facilities linked to the museum’s work.

With the purchase now complete, the Council will move forward with detailed development planning and major funding applications, including to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other grant providers.

Investing in Wareham’s Future

Cllr Zoe Gover, Mayor of Wareham Town Council, said:

“We are delighted to confirm that the purchase of the former NatWest building at 2 North Street has now been completed. This is a significant milestone for Wareham and the result of careful planning and determination. Securing this building gives us the space and certainty we need to move forward with expanding the museum, creating a dedicated Tourist Information Centre and improving educational facilities. It is a practical investment in Wareham’s future and in the long-term vitality of our town centre.”

The expanded museum will allow greater exhibition space, improved visitor facilities and enhanced opportunities for learning and community engagement.

Nicola Gray, Town Clerk & RFO, added:

“Securing 2 North Street is a major step forward for Wareham. It will give the Town Museum the space it needs to properly tell the story of one of England’s most important Saxon towns, while also embracing its new role as the recognised national centre for T. E. Lawrence following the transfer of the T.E. Lawrence Society Collection from Oxford. This purchase opens the door to improved educational facilities, better visitor services and a dedicated Tourist Information Centre. It means more opportunities for local schools, more reasons for visitors to stay longer in Wareham, and greater support for our local businesses. Most importantly, it keeps the town’s history firmly rooted within the community.”

Next Steps

The next phase of the project will focus on securing external funding and progressing detailed design work. Further updates will be shared as plans develop.

Your Support Matters!

To buy the building with a Public Works Loan, the Town Council needs the backing of local residents. An increase to the precept in 2026 will be necessary to cover the borrowing costs - this part is unavoidable - but we estimate at current interest rates this will be around £50 a year for a band D property, less if you are in band A-C, which is less than £1 per week.

The FAQs below explain everything you need to know about the proposed purchase and plans to create a modern, fit-for-purpose museum and tourist information centre. Please take a look and take an informed view.

The picture at the top of the page gives an indication as to how we are hoping the building will look once completed. We hope you agree that it will be a vast improvement on the current site, which is run down and unkempt.

FAQ's 

The consultation is now closed.

Interested in contributing to our project? Whether big or small, your donation can make a real impact on Wareham's future. You can donate online via Sum Up using the link below or make a direct BACs payment to our account with the details: A/C No. 00707232, S/C 30-99-12. Don't forget to reference your payment as 'Museum Donation' if paying online. Prefer cash? Pop into the Museum or Town Council Office at the Town Hall to drop off your donation.

Your support matters - thank you for helping shape Wareham's tomorrow!

Donate via Sum Up

Wareham’s Town Centre Set for a Major Transformation!

After years of anticipation, Wareham Town Council is thrilled to reveal an exciting opportunity that could transform the heart of the town! The Council has secured an option to purchase the old, long disused NatWest Bank at 2 North Street, with plans to breathe new life into the site and create a dynamic cultural hub for residents and visitors alike.

This landmark agreement paves the way for the Town Council to acquire the building through a Public Works Loan, supplemented by various grants for its comprehensive refurbishment. The ambitious plan aims to transform the site into a state-of-the-art museum complex, complete with an educational facility, tourist information area, and versatile exhibition spaces, utilizing the existing strong rooms for collection storage ensuring that Wareham’s history is preserved for generations to come.

But the benefits won’t stop there! This ambitious project aims to revitalise the town centre, attracting more visitors and boosting local shops, cafés, and businesses. With increased footfall, Wareham could see new job opportunities and fresh business prospects, creating a more vibrant, thriving local economy.

Alongside the museum project, the Council also plans to refurbish 3 East Street – the current home of Wareham Museum – to create a hireable community space and improved council offices. This, in turn, will free up the Town Hall to host more weddings and special events, maximising its use and bringing further economic benefits to the town.

While the Council is confident in the positive impact of this project, public consultation will take place in the coming months to gather the views of Wareham residents ensuring their voices are heard and their support for this transformative endeavour is secured. The Town Council encourages all residents to participate actively in shaping the future of Wareham. A strong show of support will help make the case for securing the necessary funding and ensure that the transformation reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.

This is an exciting moment for Wareham, marking the first step in turning a prominent, empty town centre building into a vibrant centre of culture, learning, and tourism whilst improving the look and feel of the town centre. The Town Council looks forward to hearing from the community and sharing more details as the project progresses.