PLANS for a major new military museum on Salisbury Plain have taken a significant step forward after securing nearly £300,000 in National Lottery funding.

The Royal Artillery Museum, based at Larkhill, has been awarded £286,999 to develop its ambitious Guns on the Plain project – a scheme aiming to create a modern museum and community hub at the heart of artillery training in Wiltshire.

If successful, the project could unlock a further £4.6 million to bring the full vision to life.

The museum holds one of the oldest and most important military collections in the country, but much of it is currently in storage and out of public view.

The new plans would change that – opening the collection with interactive galleries, exhibitions and hands-on displays designed to appeal to all ages.

A café, children’s play area and a packed programme of events are also proposed, alongside education and volunteering opportunities.

Organisers say the site could become a focal point for both military families and the wider community, reflecting more than a century of artillery training on Salisbury Plain.

Chair of the Royal Artillery Museum Major General Nick Eeles said: “We are delighted to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans to share the remarkable story of the Gunners, and their unique place in our nation’s history, while ensuring that our extraordinary collection is preserved for future generations.”

The funding will also support plans for improved storage, conservation and research facilities, helping safeguard the collection long-term.

Over the next two years, the museum will hold consultation events to gather feedback from residents as the project develops.

Visitors can also continue to attend open days at its current temporary site in Larkhill.

Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund Stuart McLeod said: “We’re proud to support the Royal Artillery Museum as it takes this important next step towards creating a new home at Larkhill.

“This project will open up one of the country’s most significant military collections, ensuring these stories are preserved and shared for generations to come.

“We look forward to working with the team to progress their plans to apply for their full National Lottery grant at a later date.”