The renovation of the museum’s exhibition spaces includes the addition of creative workspaces and a café within the 300-year-old building.

The design increases the museum’s capacity to expand displays and improves access, refurbishes façades, and improves energy efficiency through the adaptation of the historic buildings and gardens. Architectural elements found on site and items from the museum’s collection will be reused in a nod to the site’s historic significance.

In a bid to improve the sustainability credentials of the development, the site will be decarbonised through the replacement of the existing gas system. The supply of heating and hot water will instead be achieved through a heat pumps, while on site photovoltaics will provide renewable energy. Due to the development’s listed status, existing radiators and circulation systems are being retained and integrated to design. The external air source heat pump units are coupled with indoor air-to-water heat pumps to ensure required heating levels can be achieved through the retained systems. The building is naturally ventilated, with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery introduced for the new Café area.

The goal of the project is to deliver more dynamic and inclusive spaces, with cultural and heritage offerings that more fully reflect the borough and its diversity — creating a destination more accessible to the widest possible audience.