Plans for new Maldon visitor attraction revealed

Plans have been revealed for a new £3.2million museum, with a cafe, at a popular Essex park. Maldon District Council is working on the plans for the new visitor attraction which could be open to the public in two years at Promenade Park in Maldon.

It’s set to include three main areas, an entrance space, exhibition space with areas for community groups and organisations and a cafe with about 55 seats. The new cafe would sell a range of hot and cold food and drinks.

The existing Maldon Museum in the Park, in Promenade Park, which will be transformed, is open on selected days from March to September. The building was completed in 1915. Councillors will discuss the plans at a meeting on March 26, documents state works could start on site in March next year and the completion and handover is expected for April 2028.

The papers state: “The visitor centre would act as a multi-use hub for the town’s attractions as a whole and for community functions. This destination hub would provide a focus for tourists, telling the story of the town and providing orientation to the series of sites of interest around the town.” The new museum is set to include a range of displays on local history including the Battle of Maldon AD991.

Councillor Richard Siddall, leader of the council said it’ll be a “community‑focused extension” of the current museum. He added: “The project enhances learning, heritage interpretation and the visitor welcome — with a modest café to improve year‑round access. We’ll continue engaging residents, partners and stakeholders as plans develop.”