A museum celebrating the successes of Jim Clark is on the cards after plans were unveiled by the Scottish Borders Council to celebrate the life of the two-time Formula One world champion.
To be financed in-part by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) pending approval, the £1.65m (US$2.2m, €1.9m) project would see the existing Jim Clark Room in Duns expanded and redeveloped to allow a selection of cars and trophies to go on display.
Plans for the development were lodged last week but the museum’s programming is being left to public opinion, with an online survey by the Scottish Borders government asking how interested visitors would be in Clark’s upbringing, personality, rise to the world title, the teamwork behind his success, racing cars, the development of motor racing as a sport, and Clark’s overall influence and legacy.
"It is envisaged that the redeveloped museum will attract more tourists and motor racing enthusiasts alike thus contributing to the local economy and the Scottish Borders generally," said a design statement submitted with the plans.
"The proposed alterations respect the original design of the building, whilst also addressing issues with the condition of its fabric, by creating a contemporary, fit-for-purpose visitor attraction for the 21st Century."
If plans are approved and HLF funding is granted, it’s hoped the development will be completed by 2018 in time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Clark's death at the Hockenheimring in Germany.
“Jim Clark inspired a generation,” said a statement from the Jim Clark Trust. “The aim of the new museum is to inspire the next generation and generations to come, with a modern and vibrant celebration of Jim Clark’s incredible career and impact on motorsport around the world with trophies, pictures, film footage and some of the cars in which he raced. Exhibiting the cars will be the highlight of the new museum with the existing trophy collection at its heart."
Clark was born in Fife, but raised in the Borders, winning the Formula One world championship in 1963 and 1965, with 25 overall grand prix victories. He also competed in three Le Mans 24-hour races, finishing second on one occasion."
