Chartered Building company, Greendale Construction Limited, has been appointed as main contractors on the £3.2 million contract to complete Phase 2 of Poole Museum for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council). The project, which continues on from Phase 1, Salix, which was also completed by Greendale Construction, will focus on three main areas; Oakley’s Mill, Wool Hall, and Scaplen’s Court.
At Oakley’s Mill, Greendale will be involved with the strip-out of the main museum and fit out of four floors, including new floors, walls, ceilings, fire doors and completely updated mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems for the exhibition spaces. The existing lift shaft will also be adapted to allow for a new wheelchair accessible lift to be installed.
Wool Hall will benefit from an infill of the floor to bring the level up, new finishes and new fire doors, as well as new M&E installations.
Scaplen’s Court will also receive a strip-out and fit-out out with new floors, walls, ceilings, fire doors and updated M&E systems.
Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction commented: “Chris Cave, Commercial Director, Greendale Construction said: “Greendale Construction is delighted to have been appointed as main contractors on this fantastic project. A major focus of the project is to open-up the buildings doubling public and display space. We will also be making the museum is accessible for all, with new ground floor accessible WCs, level access and new lifts – including a lift in Scaplen’s Court for the first time.”
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications, and Culture, commented: “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Poole Museum from a town-scale museum to a regional-scale offer. We are conserving and breathing life into much loved-local buildings restoring their historic character and providing welcoming and accessible cultural spaces that will greatly enrich the Lower High Street and Poole Quay for residents and visitors alike.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s brilliant to hear that this transformational project for Poole Museum has begun. This redevelopment will bring a new lease of life to the Museum, making it more accessible and conserving the building and its collections. The benefit of this investment will be felt widely across Poole and Dorset – boosting the economy and offering a place for locals and tourists alike to connect with its remarkable maritime heritage.”
Rebecca Barrett, Southwest Regional Director at Historic England, said: “It’s exciting that work has started on the transformation of Scaplen’s Court, which, as part of Poole Museum, is at the heart of the cultural life of the town. We’re proud to support this project through the High Street Heritage Action Zone.”