Project Overview
Description
Legacy project: delivered as part of our long-standing arts & heritage portfolio. Quarr Abbey is a site of exceptional archaeological, historic and environmental significance, set within an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Isle of Wight. The site is subject to multiple conservation designations including Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM), Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and RAMSAR wetland designation.
The multi-phase project included the restoration of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, structural stabilisation to the Grade I listed Abbey Church and the complete renovation and refurbishment of listed derelict buildings into a new Visitor Centre. The works were carried out within a fully functioning monastery, requiring careful coordination to ensure construction activities did not disrupt prayer, contemplation or daily monastic routines.
Our role
We were appointed as Project Manager and Cost Manager, providing full design input and oversight across this complex, multi-phase scheme. Our role encompassed the management of conservation works to protected heritage assets, coordination of specialist consultants and contractors, and careful programme planning to ensure the site remained operational for worship and monastic life throughout the works. We oversaw extensive stonework and façade repairs, roof renovation and replacement, ruin repairs and the conversion of historic buildings, all undertaken while the Abbey remained in use by the monastic community.
Scope and Outcomes
The project included:
Restoration of a Scheduled Ancient Monument
Structural stabilisation works to the Grade I listed Abbey Church
Renovation and refurbishment of derelict listed buildings to create a new Visitor Interpretation Centre (VIC)
Landscape analysis and masterplanning to improve access routes and parking
Full reinterpretation and public display of the site Increased public access was a shared objective of the NLHF and the Abbey, creating a unified and clearly defined project purpose.
Outcomes
Conservation and safeguarding of nationally significant heritage assets
Sensitive adaptation of historic buildings for public access and learning
Successful delivery within a highly protected environmental context
Careful management of works within a live monastic setting
Enhanced visitor experience supporting education, engagement and community outreach. The conversion of derelict buildings into the Visitor Interpretation Centre (VIC) was a particularly sensitive element. Historic features were retained and restored wherever practicable, with modern insertions designed to be sympathetic and functional. The VIC now serves as a gateway for visitors to understand the history of the Abbey and the contemporary daily life of the monks, supporting a wide range learning programmes.
