Telford & Wrekin Council welcomes the announcement from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that they will invest £9m to safeguard our internationally important heritage alongside the transfer of ownership to the National Trust from Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust (IGMT).
This significant development secures the future of one of the UK’s most treasured heritage organisations and strengthens Telford’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination.
The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, is a cornerstone of the Borough’s visitor economy. IGMT’s museum portfolio includes Blists Hill Victorian Town, Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, the Old Furnace, the Darby houses, the Museum of the Gorge, the Ironbridge Tollhouse, the Tar Tunnel, Coalport China Museum, Jackfield Tile Museum and Broseley Pipeworks each playing a vital role in interpreting and preserving the Borough's industrial heritage.
Its wider portfolio also includes an entire Designated Collection, 35 listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments, a library and archive, arboretum and the Quaker Burial Ground, as well as the Furnace Kitchen café and restaurant.
Together, these sites attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, contributing over £17.6 million directly to the local economy and supporting jobs, education, and community engagement.
The transition to National Trust ownership secures the future of these historic assets, ensuring continued delivery of the World Heritage Site Management Plan and safeguarding the UK’s obligations to UNESCO.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The National Trust’s national profile will elevate Ironbridge’s museums to new heights, attracting wider audiences and strengthening our position on the global stage. We have worked closely to facilitate this in partnership with IGMT, the National Trust and other stakeholders, including Shaun Davies MP for Telford, and we all are delighted with the outcome, and we now look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the Gorge remains a vibrant, world-class destination for generations to come."
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Sustainability, added: "This is a landmark moment for our Borough and for heritage conservation nationally.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, including the many local people who have worked for the trust over the years, has been an outstanding custodian of our industrial heritage. For decades, its work has not only preserved the story of the Industrial Revolution but has also delivered significant cultural and economic value to our communities.
The transition to National Trust ownership secures the future of these irreplaceable assets and delivers a multi-million pound boost to our local visitor economy, supporting jobs, education, and the wider supply chain."
Telford & Wrekin Council and its tourism delivery arm Visit Telford will continue to work in partnership with the National Trust, DCMS, and local stakeholders to promote The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site as a world class destination and ensure its stories are shared with generations to come.
This announcement also aligns with the Council’s wider ambitions for heritage led regeneration, community enrichment, and inclusive tourism. The Council will be exploring opportunities to enhance educational outreach, support local businesses, and ensure that the Gorge remains a place where history, innovation and community thrive together.
