McAlpine indicators CM deal for Museum of London

The contract signing comes because the museum completes the primary section of restoration work on the exterior facades of the virtually 150-year-old Common Market. That is thought-about to be a key milestone within the general building venture, and a part of a plan to preserve the constructing’s historic cloth, initially designed by Sir Horace Jones.

In the meantime inner works to the Common Market are progressing, making ready it for future use by the excavation of service trenches within the website’s former Salt Shops and Vaults and formation of the brand new ground degree.

Some 10,000 sqm of Victorian brickwork within the basement has additionally been cleaned and restored. Work has now begun to construct a layered concrete staircase within the Common Market to attach the museum galleries.

The museum will reopen at Smithfield – in 2026 if all goes to plan – beneath a brand new identify, The London Museum.

Alec Shaw, the museum’s venture director, stated: “The New London Museum venture is among the most bold and complicated cultural tasks in Europe and one which would be the greatest metropolis museum on the earth as soon as it’s accomplished. We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine to hold out the following section on this massively bold programme for a brand new, trendy museum which reaches the very best requirements of sustainability in each construct and operation.

“Their experience and keenness for the venture will show invaluable in realising our imaginative and prescient for a museum which isn’t solely world class but in addition maintains the distinctive character of the historic buildings through which it will likely be housed.” 

The Museum was not too long ago granted planning permission, protecting each the Common Market and Poultry Market the place the brand new museum might be primarily based, and a collection of buildings often called The Annexe, which incorporates the Fish Market, Crimson Home and Engine Home. A listed constructing consent software for the Grade II-listed Poultry Market has additionally been secured.

In preparation for its transfer to Smithfield, the museum closed at London Wall in December 2022. The Museum of London Docklands stays open.

Acquired a narrative? E-mail information@theconstructionindex.co.uk