The future of the Brigade's museum has been secured after proposals to build a brand new, dedicated space to house its extensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia were unveiled.
The news follows today's decision by members of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority to make the provision of a new museum, as well as a fire station, a condition of the sale and redevelopment of the Brigade's old headquarters on Albert Embankment in Lambeth.
A modern, flexible location will allow more people to visit the highly praised Arts Council accredited museum, which is regularly described as one of the capital's 'hidden tourist gems.'
Last year, the museum's popularity saw over 2,000 school pupils reluctantly turned way because of the current site's limited capacity.
The new location will provide an opportunity to develop and expand the museum's world class collection, which tells the story of firefighting from the Great Fire of London until the present day.
The museum has been located on Southwark Bridge Road since 1966 but the current site is now set to be sold as part of the redevelopment of the Brigade's Southwark Training Centre.
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "This decision is fantastic news, not only for London Fire Brigade, but for anyone interested in the capital's history.
"It secures the future of our extensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia for generations to come and provides us with an exciting opportunity to develop a state-of the art space to house it in.
"A new, purpose built location will also give even more people the opportunity to explore the Brigade's rich heritage"
Going back home to its original location, at the listed former headquarters on Albert Embankment, means the museum will be close to an operational fire station, helping maintain a clear link between the Brigade's past and today's modern fire service.
It will also allow the Brigade to look at funding opportunities available for new museums with a permanent home, which have been unavailable before.
The current museum will remain open until September 2015, after which the complex process of packing, storing and auditing the museum's contents will begin.
It is estimated it could take between three and five years until a new museum opens but plans are being developed that will ensure there are still opportunities for the public to view the Brigade's historic collection.
These include temporary exhibitions at various spaces across London, including fire stations and Brigade headquarters; outreach visits and educational talks and lectures and events to commemorate next year's London Fire Brigade 150th anniversary celebrations.
You will be able to book a visit up until September 2015. Admission costs £5 for adults and £3 for children, which is payable on the day of your visit.
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