Mark has given his support to proposals to expand RAF Museum Cosford and invest more than £22 million in The Wrekin constituency and Shropshire.

He met with RAF Museum CEO, Maggie Appleton, today (6 January) to hear more details about the plans, which are being backed by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The initial lottery funding is £713,222.  The RAF Museum will now create detailed proposals before a decision is made on the full potential lottery funding award of £5 million.

Called 'Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme', the plans to expand RAF Museum Cosford include:

• An exhibition focusing on the role of the RAF over the past 40 years.

• Learning Centre dedicated to the development and delivery of lifelong learning programmes and to increasing visitors’ interest in STEM subjects, art, history and design.

• Collections Hub to share the Museum’s stored collection of artefacts for the first time.

• A woodland landscape to encourage outdoor learning and increase biodiversity.

The project will be supported by a range of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.  Building work will commence in early 2025 and is expected to be completed by summer 2027.

Commenting, Mark said:

"I was thrilled to meet with RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton at the RAF Museum Cosford to hear more about their 'Inspiring Everyone' programme.  The Museum attracts £450,000 visitors a year, including 30,000 schoolchildren, and I fully support their plans to grow and invest in Shropshire."