Government to look at plan for sport museum

THE Welsh Government will look at whether a national museum dedicated to sport could be opened.

It wants to carry out a feasibility study for where a national sports or football museum could be built and how much it would cost.

Those interested have until July 28 to put forward their bids.

The tender is for a “an appropriately skilled supplier to undertake a feasibility study for creating a national football/sports museum for Wales which meets internationally recognised museum standards”.

“The successful bidder will work with a range of stakeholders to examine the international context for sports museums, explore possible locations and identify potential collections.

“They will present realist operating costs and visit projections, and make recommendations for long-term financial resilience.”

A spokesman for the Football Association of Wales said that the organisation would welcome any investigation into the possibility of a museum to Welsh sport.

“In terms of having a Welsh football museum has been on our minds for a while. There’s a proud history and tradition and a lot that should be showcased.

“Obviously it would all come down to finance and location but we would welcome anything that potentially gives an opportunity to showcase our proud history. Wales’ Football Association is the third oldest football association in the world,” he said.

A UK national football museum is in Manchester. It was set up at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium in 2001 but when funds were withdrawn it was closed to the public in 2010.

Manchester council then agreed to fund a new museum and with European funding it reopened in 2012.

In its first two years, it attracted 1m visitors.

The museum is in Manchester city centre and has free admission.

There is already a Welsh Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1980 to recognise the achievements of Welsh athletes.

The exhibition now has a permanent home in the Principality Stadium.