Preston's Museum of Lancashire is set to undergo a major £2m refurbishment after the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) contributed more than £900,000 towards the scheme.

Seven new interactive galleries, improved access for disabled visitors, a shop and a café are included in plans for the renovated attraction, which is housed in the Grade II-listed former Preston Quarter Sessions House building.

Built between 1825 and 1828, the building was opened as a museum in 1987 after extensive renovation work by Lancashire County Council (LCC), which is also contributing £811,147 towards the £2m project.

New windows and improved lighting also form part of the proposals, while the building's stonework will undergo cleaning when work gets underway in April 2010. The scheme is scheduled for completion in May 2011.

LCC's cabinet member for adult and community services, Mike Calvert, said: "Visitors will be able to see objects that have never been on display before such as the Bourne Casket, sweet machine, and other iconic items from around the region."

Sara Hilton, head of HLF North West, added: "This project restore the historic elements of the museum building, whilst redeveloping the galleries and improving access to the museum. This will dramatically improve opportunities for visitors to learn about and enjoy the collections, both now and for generations to come."

It is also hoped that the museum will act as a signpost to other heritage sites across the county when the renovation scheme is complete, while a new community outreach officer will be appointed to work with community groups to contribute towards the museum's displays.