Dorothy Lockyer from the Guyra Historical Society said while the former chambers are currently bursting at the seams with an immense amount of local history, the building is in desperate need of an upgrade.

“It’s been going since 1983 and it’s chock-a-block,” she told The Argus on Wednesday.

“It’s full of lovely things, it’s a treasure trove.” 

But it’s not currently open to the public on a regular basis.

“It’s open at certain times of the year such as for the Lamb and Potato Festival, for the Trout Festival and we open for school groups or if anybody wants to see through it,” she said.

“With it upgraded it will hopefully open to the main street.”

Armidale Regional Council’s Program Leader in Tourism, Marketing and Events, Anthony Broomfield, outlined in his report to Council at the last meeting the significant benefits a museum could bring in terms of tourism and complementing the planned main street upgrade.

“There can be no doubt of the heritage value of the collection and of the interest from both locals and visitors to see such exhibits,” he said. 

“The museum is sited adjacent to the free camping area on the edge of Mother of Ducks lagoon and would likely attract the grey nomad visitors.”

Mr Broomfield noted the museum could bring visitors into the main street and thereby benefit other local businesses. 

A research and study room within the Guyra Library has been proposed as part of the redevelopment with council budgeting to commit $10,000.

“It is proposed to relocate a number of old Shire documents from the museum to the library where they will be better able to be used and catalogued by the Guyra librarian,” Mr Broomfield said.

A further $15,000 would need to be budgeted for by Council for internal painting and recarpeting.

Mr Broomfield said the outside upgrades would be provided through the main street upgrade project.