The multi-million pound plans for Canterbury’s Beaney Institute have received a £5.98million Heritage Lottery Fund boost.

Canterbury council and Kent County Council are working in partnership on the project, which will mean the historic city centre building being restored and transformed with a new museum, gallery and library.

The plans will see a new extension at the back, providing better access for the disabled, new space for the display of museum collections and art exhibitions, a bigger and better library and new space for Buffs displays.

Michelle Davies, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund south east, said: “I’m delighted to be confirming the Heritage Lottery Fund’s support for the councils’ plans, which will help transform this historic building and open it up for many more people to enjoy.”

The new Beaney will cost about £11.6million and will be paid for through grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and South East England Development Agency, as well as contributions from the city and county councils.

The Beaney is due to close at the end of February and is expected to reopen in summer 2011. Many of the museum exhibits will move to the Museum of Canterbury in Stour Street and a temporary library will be set up at 35 Pound Lane, formerly Ede’s Garage.