A HAMPSHIRE museum has reopened its doors as part of a major facelift project.

Fareham’s Westbury Manor museum closed its doors in February to undergo a £665,000 transformation.

Now the new museum, which will be managed by the Hampshire Cultural Trust and Fareham Borough Council, has become a vibrant culture hub in the heart of Fareham town centre.

On the first floor, three galleries telling the story of the town’s rich heritage from its origins as a Stone Age settlement, to the infamous work scandal of 1837 and its long traditions of strawberry growing and brickmaking.

The reception area and café were also remodelled and a shop selling local Hampshire produce was also introduced, while the second floor has been turned into creative studios suitable for a local start-up business with a cultural theme.

Outside, the railings around the front courtyard were removed to make the museum more open and welcoming, while both the front and garden entrances have been remodelled.

Councillor Sue Bell, portfolio holder for leisure on Fareham Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this project coming to fruition; Westbury Manor Museum is one of the key cultural attractions and it has now been transformed into a dynamic, modern venue appealing to even more visitors and meeting the needs of the future. I’m so impressed by the work that has been done at Westbury Manor; I would encourage people to attend the event.”

Janet Owen, chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, added: “The refurbishment of the Westbury Manor Museum has been an exciting and unique project for us here at the Cultural Trust. We are all absolutely thrilled with the end result.

“With its galleries exhibiting the borough’s heritage and history, the new-look museums have been transformed into a lively and bustling focal point in the heart of the town for all of the community to enjoy.”

The investment includes funding of £448,000 from Fareham Borough Council, along with the £100,000 Hampshire Cultural Trust grant for equipping the first-floor exhibition space, while a grant of £50,000 will assist the set-up of the café facilities, and £67,000 has been contributed by Hampshire County Council Architects.