A lottery funded scheme to transform Ely Museum is moving forward following the appointment of a project manager.

The Heritage Lottery handed over £159,300 in January so the city’s museum could realise its ‘Unlocking the potential of the Old Gaol’ project – a scheme that will see the museum transformed into a community hub for tourists over the next four years.

The museum plans on hosting events, exhibitions and featuring new galleries in a bid to bring more tourists to Ely.

The appointment of a project manager is now being followed by bringing on board the rest of the development team, the museum has announced in a brief update on its Facebook page.

The posting said: “This will include an architect and design team, interpretation and activity planners and a business planner to help us as we unlock the potential of The Old Gaol.

“We will be advertising for these roles in the next couple of weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

Once the team is all on board we will start by talking to lots of different people to help us develop our plans.

“We are grateful to have the support of the City of Ely Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council for our plans. Let us know if you would like to find out more!”

At the time the grant was announced a museum spokesman said: “The project aims to completely transform the museum over the next four years and to work more closely with the community. It’s a huge project that we just can’t wait to start.

“We’re particularly pleased that this project has a real focus on enabling communities to explore the heritage held at the museum and to play a vital role in its future.”

On Thursday the museum held one of its regular school holiday activity fun days when dozens of children turned up to enjoy arts and crafts linked to legedary Robin Hood.

Volunteers helped the youngsters make art works depicting the hero.

In August the summer will be holding fun children’s craft activities every Thursday from 11am to 12.30pm at £3 per ticket. The first one is on August 3 and is entitled Ancient Beasts and is for five to 11 year olds. Booking essential: 01353 666655 or admin@elymuseum.org.uk