Plans for a £2m redevelopment of West Berkshire Museum, Newbury, have been boosted after the local authority secured a first round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

West Berkshire Council (WBC) will use a £84,500 development grant to help develop its bid for £990,000 towards the cost of the project, as well as working with architects and designers to draw up plans. Redevelopment proposals include the restoration of the Grade I-listed Cloth Hall and the Grade II*-listed Corn Stores at the Wharf, as well as the creation of a new entrance and access hub.

WBC executive councillor for culture and leisure Gordon Lundie said: "Securing a Heritage Lottery Fund grant was always seen as the Council's best opportunity for raising funds to restore the historic buildings and ensure that the museum involves and engages all of West Berkshire's communities." It is hoped the redeveloped museum will be ready to open by early 2014, subject to the council securing additional external funding and the development of "acceptable" plans.