The de Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney is crowdfunding to raise money for an expansion project projected to cost more than a million pounds.

As part of its application for a £1.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant the museum, which is in Salisbury Hall, must raise £700,000 in match-funding.

Museum marketing director Mike Nevin said: “Many thousands of people, from both the UK and other countries, visit the museum each year and by introducing crowdfunding we are not only giving them the opportunity to help restore and preserve the work of Britain’s world-leading aircraft producer, but also reaching out to give everyone the opportunity to help us make our project a reality.”

The money will be used to fund a large new hangar to house the historic de Havilland aircraft, which were designed and built at the company’s Hatfield factory and airfield. The hangar will also include a learning centre and event space, as part of the museum’s programme of closer involvement with local schools and the community.

Mr Nevin said: “It is important that the enormous contribution de Havilland made not only to aviation but also to the Hatfield area, where it was a major employer, is recognised and observed for future generations.”

Donations can be made to the new hangar at http://www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk/product/new-hangar-donation/