Overview
- The DCMS grant enables transfer of the Ironbridge Gorge portfolio from the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust to the National Trust, with the handover planned for spring 2026.
- The move covers 10 museums, 35 listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments, and a nationally designated collection of around 400,000 objects.
- The iconic Iron Bridge is excluded from the transfer, remaining owned by Telford & Wrekin Council and cared for by English Heritage.
- The National Trust plans to include entry within membership and aims to grow annual visitors from roughly 330,000 toward about 600,000 over the longer term.
- Government and local leaders frame the decision as safeguarding jobs and tourism, with Telford & Wrekin Council citing a £17.6 million annual contribution to the local economy and partners including Historic England, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund supporting sustainability.