Ambitious plans for the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, costing £600,000 and due to start in the spring, are expected to give the attraction a huge boost and secure its future as an important part of Falmouth's regeneration.

The museum is planning a "Visibility and Accessibility" project which should enhance two key areas.

One will give more prominence to the Cornwall exhibitions, opening up the area to the rest of the museum.

Until now the area has been somewhat set apart and not fully appreciated.

Improvements are also planned for the inside and outside of the museum facing the Events Square.

These hopefully will make the museum more noticeable, improve the visibility of the entrance and make the main foyer lighter and more welcoming.

One of the most stunning aspects of the designs will be the installation of 16 square meters of glazing, replacing the large wooden door looking onto the square.

Acting as a vast window into the museum's main exhibition hall it will not only allow light to pour in but will also give a sneak preview into the very heart of the building.

It is hoped to have flags at the entrance to the square to entice the public through the gates.

The project is currently going through the planning and tender process and local suppliers and contractors are being encouraged to get involved.

Funding for the work will come from the South West Regional Development Agency and a bid to the Objective One Programme as part of the rescue package of measures agreed at the beginning of 2005.

The museum had been in danger of closure at one stage and had been struggling to survive financially.

The frightening position the museum found itself in was exposed by the Packet last year and eventually a four year rescue package was put together involving grant aid.

Jonathan Griffin, director, is enthusiastic over the plan which he says, will take the museum forward. He told the Packet in an exclusive interview this week: "Having lived and worked with the building over the last three years, like any home, you get to know the improvements needed to enhance the internal and external aspects. Our visitors have told us the improvements they're looking for and these alterations are a direct response to their requests. Visitors also had problems finding the areas devoted to the maritime history of Cornwall which was a popular subject which the museum wanted to strengthen" he said

Some internal changes would make these galleries increasingly visible. "This project is not just an investment in the museum but an investment in Falmouth. We have always seen ourselves, and hope others see us, as a catalyst for regeneration for the town and these plans allow us to improve our business performance and thus deliver more for Falmouth."