Project Overview
Description
Legacy project: delivered as part of our long-standing arts & heritage portfolio. A £3 million National Lottery Heritage Fund’supported project to extend and enhance the Grade II listed Bexhill Museum, including re-interpretation of the museum’s permanent displays to increase visibility, accessibility and visitor numbers. Part new build, part renovation, the project included the restoration of the existing historic museum, amalgamating three local museums, creating three new galleries, education space and catering/ retail facilities. The project was delivered on budget and received the Highly Commended Award in the Museums and Heritage Association's 'Project on a Limited Budget' category. Photos by ©Oast House Archive and ©Dr-Mx
Our role
As Project Manager, we worked closely with Rother District Council to develop and deliver the project strategy, coordinating design development, conservation-led interventions, funding requirements and procurement, including the swift appointment of a new exhibition designer when the existing provider went into administration with their works only partly completed.
Scope and Outcomes
Key scope included: - Creation of a new visitor entrance and welcome space - New temporary exhibition galleries - Full replacement of M&E installations - Re-interpretation and redisplay of the permanent collection - New and refurbished display cases, audiovisual installations and interactive exhibits - Physical and visual connection between the new extensions and adjacent public gardens. The project was delivered within a Grade II listed building, balancing conservation requirements with environmental performance improvements and achieving the following outcomes: - Enhanced visibility and profile of the museum within its town-centre setting - Improved visitor welcome, accessibility and exhibition flexibility - Sustainable upgrade of building services using low-carbon technologies - Cost-efficient exhibition fit-out through re-use and adaptation of existing displays
