In a press statement issued today, the National Media Museum in Bradford has confirmed that a spending review is taking place at the museum, "which will examine savings in running costs, expenditure on the estate, as well as a consultation with staff about a proposed restructure".

The museum says the review has been sparked by a decline in the number of visitors over the past decade. "Visitor numbers have seen a decline from a peak of almost one million in 2001 to 500,000 in 2011," it says, before adding that the decline "has been stabilised over the last 12 months with the opening of the new Life Online gallery and an improved family offer at holiday periods".

The museum believes the spending review will deliver "an improved public exhibition, events and cinema programme, which appeals more to audiences locally and nationally, supports its status as a national museum and increases access to its world-famous collections of film, photography and television".

However, BJP understands that jobs at all levels might also be cut as a result of the review. "We recognise this is an extremely difficult time for staff," says Heather Mayfield, a deputy director at the Science Museum Group. "We will ensure that consultation will be conducted with the utmost consideration for any staff member affected."

It remains unclear how this review will affect the Media Space, a new photographic gallery set to open next year at the Science Museum.