Award-winning West Midlands Police Museum has ‘never been so popular’

17 April 2024

West Midland Police Museum’s heritage manager has paid tribute to the ‘new lease of life’ behind its recent success in the region’s Tourism Awards for 2024.

Corinne Brazier joined the museum in 2017 and was key in securing lottery funding for its relocation to the Lock-Up on Steelhouse Lane two years ago.

The resounding success of the move was underpinned at this year’s Tourism Awards ceremony, as staff accepted first prize in the New Tourism Business category.

“We’re all so happy to receive the award. It’s a real honour,” said Corinne. “To get this recognition means a lot because it’s been seven years in the making.

“There was a time when the museum wasn’t even active after its old site at Sparkhill Police Station closed, but a group of us decided to get it back open and give it the love it deserved.”

Following refurbishments to the Lock-Up building, the institution re-opened its doors in April 2022 and has since welcomed more than 40,000 visitors, many of whom have been left impressed with the quality of information and guidance on offer.

West Midlands Police Museum staff accepted first prize in the New Tourism Business category.

Corinne says this has been evidenced by an instrumental factor in their award win; the high number of positive reviews left by customers on Google and TripAdvisor.

She added: “We get so many reviews that will actually namecheck both staff and volunteers for their excellent service. The people here are incredible. The museum has never been so popular and accessible and it’s not hard to see why.”

Included in the team of engaging personnel is that of retired police officers, who will share experiences and stories from their careers with visitors. According to Corinne, initiatives such as this have meant the museum’s value to West Midlands Police has been realised more in recent times.

“I think in the past, the Force has seen the museum as not much more than a nice little piece of the area’s furniture. Nowadays, however, they can see we are achieving engagement with the community for good, effective change,” Corinne continued, adding that she hopes the museum is helping to build bridges between the police and the public.

The heritage manager added that the museum is always keen for current police staff to pay a visit too.

“If you’re an officer and you haven’t been down for a while, come and have a look at how well we’ve got things going here. Perhaps you could even speak to some visitors yourself – we’re always looking for more volunteers,” she said.

“If not, why not just come and immerse yourself in the history of our Police Force and remind yourself of why you do what you do?”.

Find out more about the museum, including opening times and ticket prices by visiting its website.