Plans approved to create a new museum for London
The City of London Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee has approved plans from the Museum of London to create a new, world-class cultural destination within a series of historic, mainly dilapidated, market buildings in West Smithfield.
G&T is providing Cost Management services alongside project manager Buro Four, engineers Arup and structures firm AKT II. One of the largest cultural projects happening anywhere in Europe, the scheme has been designed by award-winning architects Stanton Williams and Asif Khan with conservation architect Julian Harrap.
"We are over the moon with today's decision, which takes us one giant step closer to achieving our vision and moving forward with this ambitious, once-in-a-generation opportunity. The museum will be so much more than what you see today at our existing site."Sharon Ament
Director, Museum of London
Much of the historic fabric of the buildings will be preserved to create cavernous and atmospheric spaces both above and below ground, capable of hosting a broader range of displays, exhibitions, learning activities and events.
Sharon Ament, Director of the Museum of London, said, "We are over the moon with today's decision, which takes us one giant step closer to achieving our vision and moving forward with this ambitious, once-in-a-generation opportunity. The museum will be so much more than what you see today at our existing site. This is all because the market buildings themselves enable us to create a set of galleries, show spaces, meeting rooms, exhibitions, places to eat, to learn, to meet friends, to work, to delve into London's past, present and event to imagine possible futures. We will open up these extraordinary buildings bringing them back into public use, at a time when Londoners are yearning to better understand who we are and how our city has developed."
© Secchi Smith
The site for the new Museum of London covers the General Market, Poultry Market and a suite of buildings known as The Annexe which includes the Fish Market, Red House and Engine House. A Listed Building Consent Application for the Grade II Listed Poultry Market has also been secured.
The new museum is scheduled for completion in 2024.