York's National Railway Museum (NRM) has confirmed that it has been forced to abandon its plans for a £21m redevelopment programme after failing in a £7m funding bid.

NRM director Steve Davies revealed that the attraction was informed on 11 April that efforts to secure Regional Growth Fund (RGF) backing had been unsuccessful.

The RGF bid, which Davies said was "always a long-shot", was designed to plug a funding gap after £10m worth of Yorkshire Forward and government support was withdrawn.

Under plans for the NRM+ project, the attraction's largest exhibition space was to be subject to an extensive transformation with new multimedia and multi-sensory displays.

Improved visitor access and upgraded access to the collection was also proposed as part of its redevelopment, which was scheduled for completion in 2013.

However, Davies said that the NRM+ scheme was no longer viable and that the attraction will now be considering its options for the way forward.

"Our vision beyond the next 5 years is clear, and we have other exciting projects in the offing, including the recently begun re-development of the Museum's City entrance and shop, and refurbishment of Station Hall," said Davies.

"Moreover, we are in a position to make some minor but significant adjustments to the Great Hall, making use of vehicles which were restored in anticipation of NRM+ being successfully delivered."

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