Karen Davies, Interim Chief Executive Officer at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said:
“We understand the disappointment of people that Broseley Pipeworks will not open in 2025. We also completely appreciate the importance of the Pipeworks to the town and to many interested parties beyond Shropshire.
“The decision not to open Broseley Pipeworks has not been taken lightly, and is in response to the challenging financial situation that the Trust, an independent charity, finds itself in.
“2024 was a difficult year for the Trust. Along with many other museums and visitor attractions we experienced lower than anticipated visitor numbers and as approximately 60% of our income comes from ticket sales any fall in visitors has a dramatic impact. In addition, as we move into 2025, we continue to be affected by the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and significant cost increases across all areas of the organisation.
“Therefore, we are having to be highly focussed in our work and this means taking some difficult decisions. While we have a brilliant team of volunteers who welcome our visitors at Broseley Pipeworks, paid staff, like curatorial staff and team leaders, are also involved in its opening.
"The fact that the Pipeworks will not be open this year does not put it at risk, the buildings and collections will continue to be cared for by the Trust; nor does it mean that the Pipeworks are closed ‘indefinitely’.
“Whilst in the short term we cannot change our decision we are considering various options to enable the Pipeworks to open in 2026. If anything changes during 2025 or if there is any further information to relay, we will update interested parties.
“In the meantime we appreciate the ongoing support of our visitors, volunteers, Friends and local communities to help us carry out our year-round heritage conservation and education work.”