FAQ: Ongoing site improvements to Cambridge Museum of Technology

We know many of you have questions about the ongoing improvements at the Museum. We've pulled together the questions we've heard most often, with our answers, in the hope this gives you the clarity you're looking for. We're grateful for how much people care about this place - it's exactly why we want to be as open as we can about its future.

What is the museum planning to do with its site?

Bring the whole site together around a primary aim - welcoming more people - so the museum can fund its mission of preserving the site and collection.

The museum is an independent, volunteer-run charity that owns a 130-year-old former pumping station — a Scheduled Monument — on the River Cam. It is aligning its whole site around a primary aim: welcoming more people. In practice that means a smoother-running, better-cared-for site, with the museum and the independent businesses on it working in step - offering visitors a relaxed riverside place by day and a different experience in the evening - so more people visit, the museum becomes more financially resilient, and it can better preserve the buildings and collection for the community and deliver its education programmes.

How do the commercial parts of the site work in the daytime and the evening?

Day and evening have deliberately different offers, so the small businesses on site complement rather than compete with each other.

The site is run so that its traders complement one another rather than compete. The daytime and the evening are intended to have distinct characters and offers: a relaxed, family-friendly riverside place by day, and a different evening experience. This separation is deliberate - if businesses on site simply duplicated each other, for example by competing on the same food at the same times, it would reduce what each can earn and make them less viable. Coordinating this so that every small business can thrive in a truly collaborative environment is one of the museum’s real management responsibilities.

Is this just about making money?

No - the museum has deliberately built around small local independents because it’s better for the community.

The museum has deliberately chosen to work with independent local or independent businesses because they contribute to a truer character of the site, support the local economy and are better for the community.

Is the museum becoming less of a museum, or more of a commercial venue?

No - preservation, education and engagement remain the long-term objectives

The hospitality, events and busier destination are a means by which the charity funds those purposes, not a replacement for them. Every visitor and event helps secure the long-term future of a nationally important heritage asset. Also increased footfall should help the museum secure more visitors and support the expansion of the education programme.

Why is this needed? Why not leave things as they are?

The historic buildings are costly to maintain and a small charity can’t fund that from admissions alone.

The museum’s buildings are historic, protected and costly to maintain, and some will need major repair in the years ahead. Welcoming more people — through the grounds, hospitality and events - is how the charity earns the income to keep the buildings maintained, collection preserved and the museum open.

What will local people and the community get from this?
A better-cared-for riverside site, a focus space for community events, and one-off events on the local calendar – as well as a connection to the area’s heritage.
A historic riverside site that is better cared for and more alive: green space by the river, somewhere to eat and drink, a focus space for community events, and a programme of events that add something new to the local calendar – while driving people to a major monument and part of Cambridge’s industrial history.

How is this funded? Will it pay for itself?

Earned income is central, but realising the vision fully will need continued investment.

The museum has already delivered major investment in its site, including redevelopment supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and others, and has since secured further heritage funding. Increasing earned income is central to the plan.

Who makes the decisions about the museum’s future?

The museum’s volunteer Board of Trustees, who hold the duty of keeping a fragile historic site standing.

Responsibility rests with the museum’s volunteer Board of Trustees, who carry the duty of keeping a fragile, historic site standing and of acting in the long-term interest of the museum and the site, while delivering engagement activities focused around the collection and education. All significant commercial decisions are considered by the Board of Trustees against the museum's charitable objectives and long-term conservation needs.

Can a volunteer charity really manage all this?

It’s a genuine challenge, but the museum has a track record of delivering investment and growth and is committed to adapting as it goes.

The museum has a track record of delivering major investment and of growing its visitors, events and community programmes in recent years, and is committed to learning and improving as the work goes on. The trustees will not compromise the mission of protecting the site and collection for future generations in a way that helps the community retain a sense of their local heritage and connection with the past.

A message from our Trustees about the Lower Yard

When we shared that Kerb Kollective's current agreement at the Lower Yard would come to the end of its term, we knew how much this news would matter to you. The strength of your response has shown us just how much both Kerb Kollective and this Museum mean to our community. The way forward has been the outcome of careful, collective deliberation by the Trustees over many factors. We've read and reflected on what you've shared, and we'd like to explain more fully, honestly, and with respect for everyone involved.

The Cambridge Museum of Technology is a charity. We are run almost entirely by volunteers and Trustees who give their time freely because they love this place and its history. Every hour the Museum is open, every school visit and community event, is made possible by people who are not paid to be here. We are custodians of an important part of Cambridge's heritage, and, like many small museums, we carry that responsibility with very limited resources.

Keeping a place like this going is harder than it looks from the outside. Our buildings are ageing, and some will need significant repair, and likely temporary closure, in the years ahead. We are a small team, and it takes careful planning, and constant fundraising, to sustain the roles that hold everything together, from opening our doors to running school visits and community events. We rely on partners to help share the cost of maintaining our estate, and managing that work falls largely to volunteers and Trustees giving their own time. These are the realities behind every decision we make, and they are familiar to the small, independent museums that make Cambridge what it is.

None of this has dampened our commitment to the site. Over recent years we have invested significantly in the Lower Yard and the wider Museum, securing grants to fund the permanent improvements that have made the space what it is today and laying the groundwork for its future. We did this because we believe deeply in this place and in what it can be for the whole community, not for any short-term return. That long-term investment is precisely why we are determined to bring our spaces together and secure the Museum's future, however difficult the decisions along the way.

It is within that context that we have been working towards a long-held aspiration: to bring the Engineer's House and the Lower Yard together into a more welcoming, connected hospitality and social space for the whole community, with the hope of opening it up across more of the year. Bringing the spaces together into a single destination is how we hope to protect the Museum's future.

We also want to be clear that this was not a decision we reached quickly or lightly. Over many months we negotiated in good faith to find a way forward together. In the end, we could not agree the terms of how the integrated space would operate. That is a genuine and respectful difference of view about the future, and we truly regret that it has come to this.

We hold Kerb Kollective in the highest regard. Their talent and outlook are exceptional, and they have brought real warmth to the Lower Yard. We wish them every success, and we're glad to hear they will continue to serve the community they have built. We very much hope they'll keep trading with us until their current agreement ends on 31 August 2026; that final decision rests with them. As we prepare to tender for the next chapter at the Lower Yard, we would encourage Kerb Kollective to take part, alongside any operator who shares our vision for the site.

We were also moved that, in their own message, Kerb Kollective asked people to be kind to our volunteers and recognised that this decision was never theirs to make. We're grateful for that generosity. It reflects exactly the spirit in which we have valued working alongside them, and it is the spirit in which we hope this whole conversation can continue.

A few points have understandably caused some confusion, and we'd like to set them out plainly below.

To everyone who has shared their views: thank you. It means a great deal that you care so much. As we look to the next chapter at the Lower Yard, we are committed to a fair and open process, and we'll share news as soon as we can. Our commitment is unchanged: to protect this remarkable place and keep it open, alive and welcoming for the whole community, for years to come.

With warm regards,

Vincent Mak Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cambridge Museum of Technology (on behalf of the Trustees)

Questions and answers

When will Kerb Kollective stop trading at the Lower Yard?

Their current agreement runs until 31 August 2026, and we very much hope they'll continue with us until then. The final decision about their last day of trading is theirs to make, under the terms of that agreement.

Why is Kerb Kollective's agreement coming to an end?

Kerb Kollective's current agreement is reaching the end of its term. Rather than simply continue the existing arrangement, we have a long-held aim to bring the Engineer's House and the Lower Yard together into a more connected hospitality and community space, which we hope to open up to more people across more of the year. That means preparing new terms for the shared space, which we will put out to tender. The difference of view during our discussions was about how that integrated space would operate, not about Kerb Kollective's work or their popularity, both of which we value enormously. Our hope throughout has been for them to remain part of the space, and that remains true.

Who paid for the improvements to the Lower Yard?

The Museum funded the permanent infrastructure such as the decking, the connecting sitting steps, the toilet refurbishment and the metal fencing, as part of our long-term vision for a vibrant community space. We also secured grants to fund the chair lift. Kerb Kollective provided the moveable items, such as tables, chairs, parasols and plant pots.

Did Kerb Kollective have exclusive use of the Lower Yard?

No. Kerb Kollective have priority use, but not exclusive use. Under the current contractual arrangement, Engineer's House visitors are able to use the Lower Yard if space is available, and Kerb Kollective's customers are able to use the Engineer's House grounds and indoor spaces in poor weather.

What happens next?

As the current agreement comes to an end, we will run an open and fair tender for the next hospitality offer at the Lower Yard, which any local supplier - including Kerb Kollective - is welcome to enter. We will share news as soon as we are able. In the meantime, we hope to welcome Kerb Kollective's customers, and everyone else, to the Lower Yard throughout the summer.

What is the future vision for the site?

At the moment, our vision is that the Engineer's House and the future coffee vendor will share seating and a community space, but will be separate partners with separate facilities.

Can Kerb Kollective tender for the new contract?

Yes, and we would warmly encourage them to. Anyone can apply, and all serious offers will be considered on their merits.

Do any trustees have a personal interest in the choice of catering supplier?

No. Trustees declare any conflicts of interest at every board meeting, and any trustee with an interest takes no part in the relevant decision.

Who makes decisions like this, and why should we trust them?

The Museum is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who receive no payment and have no financial interest in the outcome. We are accountable as a registered charity, and decisions of this kind are made collectively. Our purpose is the heritage, education and community that this Museum exists to protect: caring for an important part of Cambridge's history, opening it up to schools and visitors, and keeping it a living place for the neighbourhood. Hospitality on the site matters to us because it supports that wider purpose and brings people together; it is one valued part of a much bigger picture. Every decision we make is weighed against the long-term survival of the Museum and its service to the community. This decision was not taken lightly, and we understand the upset it has caused. It was made carefully, in what we believe to be the Museum's best interests for the years ahead.

Why can't you share more detail about what happened?

We understand the wish to know more. Out of respect for Kerb Kollective and for the proper, confidential conduct of a commercial relationship, we don't think it would be right to discuss the details of private discussions or contract terms in public. We've tried to be as open as we can about our reasons and our hopes for the site, and we'd ask for understanding on the rest. We'd also gently ask people to be cautious about accounts shared anonymously or second-hand: we are not able to respond to them in detail, precisely because we hold ourselves to that same discretion.

Does the City Council own the Pumping Station and Lower Yard?

No. The Pumping Station and Lower Yard is owned by the Cambridge Museum of Technology, which is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

For more information about the long term vision of the site please read our FAQ on site improvements.

Contract Expiry

Please note - the trustees have since added some more detail on this which you can read here.

For more information on the longer term vision for the site - please read our FAQ on ongoing site improvements

 It is with regret that the Trustees at the Cambridge Museum of Technology announce the decision not to renew Kerb Kollective’s contract to operate on the Lower Yard of the Museum site when it expires on 31 August 2026.   

This decision was made in line with the long-held plan of integrating the Engineer's House and Lower Yard areas. The plan is based on the aim to maximise the space available to all hospitality customers at all times, which is part of a vision to develop the potential of the Museum site as an open space and social hub for the community. The Trustees have now reached the conclusion of letting Kerb Kollective's contract expire and seeking to work with another partner to facilitate the implementation of the plan.

 The Trustees would like to thank the team at Kerb Kollective for their hard work over the past years, and sincerely wish them well for the future. 

The Museum is actively seeking a replacement coffee supplier and a further announcement will be made in due course. 

Vincent Mak

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cambridge Museum of Technology (on behalf of the Trustees)

Work Placement Opportunities (over 18's only)

Volunteer Role Description: Work Placement 

What this role will entail 

The purpose of the role is to develop skills in the workplace and support the work of Cambridge Museum of Technology; an independent industrial heritage Museum located in Abbey Ward.  

Each placement will last roughly one to two weeks depending on individual availability.  

Applications are welcome from school students aged 18+ and university students.  

This role description provides an overview of the different areas of work skills development on offer.   

Why Cambridge Museum of Technology needs this role: 

 This placement is open to those of all backgrounds and experiences, especially those interested in working in museums, education, engineering, or other STEM fields.  

The placement will primarily be asked to assist with administrative tasks to support the work of Museum, perform front of house duties and to support learning activities and community events.  

Week One provides a well-rounded understanding of how an independent museum operates by offering induction, training, and hands-on experience across the departments.   

The student can then reflect on what they have learnt and choose where they would like to specialise in Week Two (if appropriate) or be given a small project to work on which would be fully supervised and supported depending upon staff availability. In addition to support, the student would also be offered feedback on their work and advice if they wished to pursue a career within the sector. Upon completion of the project, they would also be eligible for further volunteering opportunities with us in the future 

Volunteer tasks:  

• Administrative tasks responding to email and telephone enquiries, helping with filling documentation.  

• Covering front of house: greeting visitors, recording visitor numbers, fielding enquiries. 

 • Preparation of materials for children’s activities and community events. 

If proceeding to Week Two 

Tasks may include: 

Education 

• Work with the Education Officer to design a new school activity session.  

Collections work 

• Handling and working directly with objects, checking and updating catalogue records. 

• Collections care and housekeeping. 

Engineering 

• Site Maintenance such as basic gardening, painting and assisting with minor repairs to our site of industrial heritage. 

• Stoking the boiler on Steam Events [only under direct supervision]. 

What you will gain from this role:  

• Taste of work in a museum environment  

• Chance to develop new skills  

• Experience to enhance your CV 

• Opportunity to support the day-to-day running of an independent museum 

• Join a motivated and enthusiastic team  

Skills required:  

• Reliability  

• Welcoming and polite manner towards visitors  

• Basic administrative skills  

• Willingness to learn and to support the aims of Cambridge Museum of Technology 

• Ability to work independently and to show initiative  

• Conscientious attitude 

Optional Specialised Tasks 

• For site maintenance and stoking the boiler, these tasks require some degree of physical fitness. We would advise discussing with your GP if you have a health condition that could be exacerbated by these tasks prior to commencing your work placement. 

Potential time commitment:  

The agreed time period for a volunteer placement is up to two weeks. The Museum has staff onsite Monday to Sunday so we can offer some degree of flexibility. A normal day will be 10am-4pm but on Mondays we may only be able to offer until 1pm.  

Location 

Cambridge Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane, Cambridge CB5 8LD. 

Contact: 01223 800652 info@museumoftechnology.com 

Training and support:  

Induction will take place on a placement’s first day. Training will be given by a Duty Manager or Site Team for all tasks which the placement is asked to undertake throughout. 

Health and safety responsibilities:  

The Volunteer will be provided with a risk assessment for this placement. They will be responsible for their own health and safety and that of those with whom they volunteer. The Volunteer will not work unsupervised with children or vulnerable adults. 

How to apply:  

Those interested should send an email to info@museumoftechnology.com  or write to Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8LD. or alternatively fill in the Expression of Interest Form below.

We hope to inform applicants of the outcome of their applications within 2 weeks of application.  

We will be offering 2 placements per term.  

For Summer 2026- application deadline is 1st June 2026  

For Autumn 2026 application deadline is 1st September 2026 

For Spring 2027 application deadline is 1st December 2026 

We warmly encourage students to get in touch with us themselves if they have any questions about the placements and will only discuss the outcome of applications with the students themselves. 

About Cambridge Museum of Technology 

Cambridge is famous for its university, historic buildings, and high-tech companies. Its industrial history has been overlooked and little remains of the former industrial landscape. Cambridge Museum of Technology tells this hidden history. 

Cambridge Museum of Technology is the home of our industrial heritage. Based in the city’s historic sewage pumping station, the Museum helps people to explore, enjoy, and learn about their industrial heritage by celebrating the achievements of local industries and the people who worked in them. 

This project was made possible with funding from the Cambridge City Council Communities Fund.

Guided Heritage Walks return for 2026!

Guided Heritage Walks: Discover Cambridge’s industrial past.

In collaboration with Cambridge Industrial Archaeology Group, Cambridge Museum of Technology is proud to present a series of walking tours led by expert guides.

Discover Cambridge’s industrial history hiding in plain sight all around us. Access to the Museum is included in the price of each walk.

River Walk: Jesus Green to Riverside

The banks of the river Cam were once teeming with industries and the river itself was an important trading route. From brewers to scientific instrument makers, from boat builders to the gas works, they could all be found along the river. Small ferries once carried passengers, vehicles and animals across the water but were replaced by bridges as Cambridge grew. If you know where to look, there are still traces to be seen and stories to be told of the industries and the workers of the past. 

The tour will begin at Jesus Lock and end at Cambridge Museum of Technology, home of Cambridge’s industrial heritage, where you will be able to explore the displays.

Prospective Dates: Friday 19 June | Friday 17 July | Friday 21 August | Friday 18 September 2026.

Energy Walks: Cambridge Gasworks

Explore the former Cambridge gasworks (off Newmarket Road) and its impact on local society, economy and the environment. Featuring documentary sources (such as maps, photographs, company records and eyewitness reports), the tour will: explore the sights (and smells) of the former Cambridge gasworks, its operations, stories of its workers, evaluate its environmental impact, and invite participants to assess its legacy: past, present and future.

This tour will begin at the Cheddars Lane (upper) gate of Cambridge Museum of Technology (on a step-free route around Cheddars Lane, Newmarket Road, River Lane and Riverside) will visit archaeological remains from what was the largest industrial complex in Cambridge: the University and Town Gas-Light Company. The tour will end at Cambridge Museum of Technology, home of Cambridge’s industrial heritage, where you will be able to explore the displays

Prospective Date: Sunday 16 August 2026.

Railway Walk: Cambridge North

Explore Cambridge's industrial heritage with a guided walk. Local guides from the Cambridge Industrial Archaeology Group will help you explore the site of the former Chesterton byways (reopened as a passenger station in 2017).

The tour will begin at the foyer of North Cambridge Railway Station to the Cambridge Museum of Technology. Walk (~1.3 miles/2km).

Follow the railway route southbound, via a pedestrian bridge across the River Cam; rediscover old railway lines across Stourbridge Common before arriving at the Cambridge Museum of Technology in Riverside.

Prospective Date: Saturday 11 July 2026 | Saturday 26 September 2026

Group size is limited (to maximum of 16) and tickets must be purchased in advance, either via the Museum’s Events Calendar or by contacting the Museum directly.

For all of the above walks

• £16pp

• Access to the Museum is included in your ticket (please bring copy of your receipt).

• Group size limited: tickets must be purchased in advance (online or from museum)

• Suitable for ages 11+.

• All-weather (come suitably prepared!)

• Check before leaving the start time and start location of the walk (several walks do NOT begin at the Museum). Please aim to arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time of the walk, which will depart promptly!