Plans to transform a popular north-east attraction are gaining momentum, after donations towards the project reached £100,000 in just weeks.
The Grampian Transport Museum unveiled its vision to modernise the entrance and make it more attractive to visitors a month ago.
The new reception, which will cost about £320,000, will include a display area to show off the work the museum team do with young engineers from across the north-east, as well as a cafe and designed area for booked groups.
Since the plans were revealed, donations from local supporters and businesses have taken the team a step closer to reaching their ambitious target of starting building work in September.
Last night Mike Ward, curator at the award-winning museum, said he was delighted with the support received for so far, and said it would help keep the “momentum” going.
He added: “We’re pleased, but we still need help – we won’t be able to move forward unless we raise the full amount before our cut-off date in September. We’re a third of the way there now though, and that will buoy us along.”
Planning permission has already been granted, and if all goes to schedule the new reception area will open in spring.
Mr Ward said some people were initially reluctant to think about changing the format of the well-loved attraction, but once they watched the video and saw what the team were visualising they were keen to offer their support.
He added: “People are very enthusiastic, although I know some people have wondered ‘what’s wrong with the existing reception’. But when they see what is possible they accept we have to move with the times and exceed customer expectations.
“It will create a vitally important first impression of the museum and will set the scene for the whole visit. It will help us engage with visitors as soon as they come in.”
During the unveiling of the plans, former transport boss Sir Moir Lockhead made an impassioned plea for local businesses to join oil giant BP in supporting the project.
Staff at the museum – which recently won the Visitor Attraction of the Year 2014 for Aberdeen city and shire – is still hoping to hear from more local firms, and will launch a Crowdfunding campaign later this summer to help them reach their goal.