Trust celebrates Heritage Fund success

As the Powell-Cotton Trust’s 100th anniversary year draws to a close, the Charity is looking firmly to the future with an ambitious new project designed to secure the next century of learning, conservation and community engagement. Based at Quex House and Gardens and the internationally significant Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington, the Trust has been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a new five-year strategy that will strengthen its long-term sustainability, broaden public engagement and build resilience for generations to come.

‘PCT Transform: 100 More Years’, brings together specialist expertise in audience research, business and finance planning to support the Trust in creating a clear roadmap for growth between 2027 and 2032. Central to the project will be the voices of local people. The Trust plans to invite visitors, residents, community organisations and those who do not currently engage with the venue to take part in surveys, focus groups and consultation activities. This research will help shape future plans by exploring how people would like to see the museum, house and gardens develop, what experiences they value most, and how they would like to engage with the organisation in the years ahead.  The project will also build on recent work to make the Trust’s heritage more inclusive, accessible and relevant to modern audiences.

As its centenary celebrations come to an end, the project marks not only a reflection on the Trust’s first 100 years, but a commitment to working with the community to shape what the next century could look like.