A NEW museum celebrating the shoe-making history of Street is literally being pieced together.

Construction of the Shoemakers Museum, at The Grange, part of the Clarks Village outlet centre, is entering a key phase.

Due to open in the summer of 2025, the museum will celebrate 200 years of shoemaking heritage in the region, with a particular focus on the renowned Clarks brand, whose legacy has left an indelible mark on the local community and the global footwear industry.

The Grange was the centre around which the Clarks factories, headquarters, and Clarks Village developed.

Now, the historic spot is being transformed into a state-of-the-art museum, with galleries that will chronicle the rich history of Clarks shoemaking and the shoemakers behind the globally-recognised brand.

The Grange sits at the heart of the Clarks empire in Street

Sustainability is at the core of the new museums design, including the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for the superstructure – a durable and renewable alternative to concrete.

Currently, large CLT panels are being craned into position, fitting together with precision to create the museum’s framework.

“The walls are going up and we can truly see the museum taking shape,” said Rosie Martin, director of Shoemakers Museum.

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“The CLT panels fit together like Lego, creating a stunning space for a new suite of galleries.

“We hope to inspire visitors by bringing to life the shoemaking industry that so many local families contributed to – a legacy worth celebrating.”

The museum will delve into the profound impact shoemaking families had on the history of Street and beyond.

Collections highlight Quaker roots and progressive influences including suffrage, human rights, and the education and welfare of workers and their families, that shaped the social landscape of the area.

How the new Shoemakers Museum is set to look

Inspired by the Alfred Gillett Trust’s vast collection of more than 100,000 objects, Shoemakers Museum is set to become a welcome addition to the cultural landscape of Somerset.

During the work, Shoemakers Museum is using its outdoor space to host outdoor cinema, theatre, a dog agility show, and a walking trail exploring the history of the town.