Plans to secure future of National Museum Cardiff take a step forward
Cynlluniau i ddiogelu dyfodol Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd yn camu ymlaen
Design team appointed as options for potential redevelopment plans at the Museum are explored
Amgueddfa Cymru has appointed AHR and C.F. Møller Architects as the design team for a potential redevelopment programme at National Museum Cardiff.
The appointment of a design team is the first step towards plans to ensure the Museum - which is approaching its centenary in 2027 - is fit for purpose for the future.
While any redevelopment works at the Museum would be subject to funding and approval of a business case, the appointment of a design team means that enabling works which are needed for maintenance purposes can now be carried out in earnest, putting the Museum in the best possible position to move forward with wider works should funding be secured in the future.
Enabling works which are being carried out include repairs to the Museum’s roof as well as the installation of a new fire alarm system.
The appointment of the multidisciplinary design team follows a full procurement process where applicants were asked to showcase their experience and resources in line with the Museum's vision and to demonstrate best practice of working within the heritage sector.
AHR and C.F. Møller Architects will support the development of a preferred way forward ahead of the business case submission in the spring, which will involve engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including staff, volunteers, visitors and the local community.
They will now be appointed to deliver the RIBA 2 stage of the proposed work needed to deliver the next business case submission to Welsh Government.
A funding feasibility study to inform the work and different options for redevelopment is already in progress with More Partnerships.
Chief Executive of Amgueddfa Cymru, Jane Richardson said:
"National Museum Cardiff is an architectural gem, but maintaining a historic building is an ongoing challenge. As the Museum approaches its centenary, we want to use the opportunity of needing to carry out essential maintenance works to go further and enhance the experience for our visitors, ensuring it is fit for purpose for the next 100 years. Our ambition is to create a distinctively Welsh National Museum and Gallery with inspiring, modern, sustainable and accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy.
"These are ambitious plans, but we believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a vibrant cultural destination in Cardiff that drives economic growth and connects us to the world through stories and collaborations that matter locally and globally."
Gary Overton, Director at AHR, said:
"We are delighted to be working with Amgueddfa Cymru on this significant project. AHR has extensive experience in the thoughtful reuse and repurposing of historic buildings, and we understand the importance of respecting original character whilst delivering modern, sustainable and accessible spaces.
"Our approach ensures that heritage and innovation work hand in hand, without compromising on style or the qualities that make buildings special. We're incredibly proud to be part of the team helping to secure the future of this cultural gem as it approaches its centenary, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to develop proposals that will serve Wales for generations to come."
A business case to outline options for the redevelopment of National Museum Cardiff is now being prepared, with further details to be confirmed in due course.
Notes to editors
Notes to Editor
As well as requiring funding and approval of a business case, any work at National Museum Cardiff is subject to detailed discussion with Cardiff Council as the Local Planning Authority, and Cadw due to the listed status of the building.
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About AHR
AHR, composed of architects and building consultants, works across nine UK offices, including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester and Shrewsbury.
AHR, which has expertise grounded in two centuries of practice, delivers projects for clients in a variety of sectors, both locally and internationally, and has extensive experience working with historic and culturally significant buildings across the UK, with a focus on Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, museums, civic buildings and cultural landmarks.
AHR’s projects include work on the National Portrait Gallery, Princess Royal Theatre, Bristol Temple Meads Southern Gateway, Rhyl High School, Stover Country Park, Beverley Minster, Aberystwyth Student Accommodation and The George Hotel in Huddersfield.
Their teams combine heritage-led conservation, architectural insight and a deep understanding of how people use spaces every day. Their approach involves carrying out clear significance and capacity-for-change assessments, which guide sensitive interventions at every scale and ensures original character is respected, protected and celebrated.
C.F. Møller Architects' projects include work on Aarhus University, National Gallery of Denmark and the Darwin Museum.
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