Plans to turn poet's home into museum approved

A museum celebrating the life and work of a poet could open as early as 2026 after plans were approved.

Norman Nicholson's home in Millom, Cumbria, will house a museum, cafe and outreach centre, while an extension will offer en-suite accommodation.

Charlie Lambert, from Norman Nicholson CIC which submitted the plans, said the approval was "terrific" news.

"I think it will give Millom something to be proud of," he said.

"It's going to be a place, which I hope will have really strong links with the community."

The project will continue with repairs to the exterior and roof of the property at 14 St George's Terrace.

Mr Lambert previously said many people felt Mr Nicholson was "overlooked".

It is hoped the site will do "proper justice" to his memory and celebrate his work.

The poet, who was born in Millom in 1914 and wrote from 1930 until his death in 1987, lived at the house for nearly his entire life.

The first and second floors will be used as exhibition space and the interior will be designed to depict how it would have looked when Mr Nicholson lived there.

A cafe will be housed on the ground floor.

Mr Lambert said he hoped small community groups could meet there and the museum would give people an extra incentive to visit the town.

"It is the most spectacular location, it has a wonderfully interesting history and great people living there as well," he said.

"It's an opportunity for people to come and just investigate and see what made Norman Nicholson special, what made him such an intriguing personality."

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