A MUSEUM in Cirencester is hoping to boost its visitor numbers by creating a new centre for children and galleries at a cost of £1.3 million.

Visitor numbers at The Corinium Museum dropped by about 4,000 in the last financial year, down to 40,096 from 45,096 in 2012/13.

To address this, the museum plans to build a Discovery Centre for youngsters, new galleres to display Prehistory, Iron Age and Early Roman collections, and make alterations to the Roman garden.

It will apply for a grant of about £838,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the cost, while Cotswold District Council (CDC) - which owns the building - will provide £50,000.

At CDC's cabinet meeting last week, members agreed for the museum’s manager, Sport and Leisure Management, to draft the grant application.

Cllr Carole Topple said: “We must remember that we own this building and it is a huge part of the conservation of Cirencester. It is our duty to protect it. Museums do not stand still and we have to keep up with the times.”

However, Cllr Sue Jepson said it was worrying to see visitor numbers dropping. She also asked if it was necessary to rebuild the front entrance, as part of the plans show, which she claims said already looks "stunning".

Leisure services manager Martin Holland said there are lots of artefacts in storage at the museum which could be on display, adding: “Customers could also see volunteers do conservation work. It is quite timely that we have been engaged by the Heritage Lottery Fund to to make this application.”