Restoration has commenced at eight satellite sites of the McGregor Museum in Kimberley.
This infrastructure restoration project of eight of the museum’s satellite sites is wholly funded by the national Department of Tourism (NDT) who has granted R40 million, with support of the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Sunet Swanepoel, CEO of the McGregor Museum, said the aim is to enhance domestic tourism development and economically support, and to uplift communities in which these museums operate.
Responsible tourism development ensures a better tourist experience and sound business opportunities for the tourism sector.
Importantly, however, it is also about the significance of the traditional, cultural, and emotional attachment of local communities as well as the value in history and stories that are strongly associated with these museum sites.
It was therefore deemed important that the condition and state of the infrastructure and facilities were improved, modernised, or better preserved so that it continues to attract national and international visitors.
The proposed refurbishment of the museum includes major renovations to the following sites:
- the McGregor Museum complex in Atlas Street;
- Duggan Cronin Gallery;
- Dunluce House;
- Rudd House;
- Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre;
- Wonderwerk Cave;
- Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum in Chapel Street; and
- the Magersfontein Battlefield Museum.
Swanepoel said work at Dunluce House for example includes:
- the installation of a new balustrade structure around the main house;
- repairs to the roof, windows, gutters, downpipes, fence and more;
- repairing and painting all inside walls and ceilings; and
- repairing and restoring of the swimming pool. Dunluce had the first private swimming pool in Kimberley.
