THE first steps have been taken in a proposed £5 million redevelopment of the Tunbridge Wells museum, library and art gallery building in the town's civic centre.

The borough council's Cabinet has endorsed the scheme, and a bid will now be made for a project planning grant and help with capital funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This will enable museum bosses to carry out a full access audit on its premises and displays before drawing up plans for redevelopment.

A health and safety audit will also be made to ensure best practice is built into the programme.

Results will be reported back to Cabinet, ready for immediate action to make the building and its displays more accessible and to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The building is shared with Kent County Council, and both authorities will work together in planning improvements, such as new displays, public toilets, a cafeteria and better education spaces.

The aim is to create a "flagship" museum service capable of becoming a template for other local museums throughout the country.

Cllr James Scholes (Con), portfolio holder for leisure services, said: "We're at the beginning of a long but very exciting journey that will see Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery increase its popularity and continue attracting visitors well into the future."