Keltbray, the leading UK specialist engineering and construction business, today announces it has secured a circa £17.5m package of enabling deconstruction and new structural works on the first major construction phase to form the new home for the Museum of London and create a sustainable new, world-class cultural destination within a series of historic buildings in West Smithfield, located in The City of London.
Based in one of the most culturally rich and creative quarters of London, the new museum inhabit a suite of historic and largely empty market buildings in the Smithfield Conservation Area.
This initial phase of works will involve extensive restoration works to the General Market building, including the restoration of the existing architecturally important iron, stone and brickwork structure while preserving the striking decorative elevations of the original Victorian structures which date back to the 1880s.
Given the age, scale and constraints of the existing site, the Keltbray delivery team will also draw on the Group’s specialist in-house capabilities and engineering expertise to react quickly and proactively to any ‘site discoveries’ once work on site commences, ensuring a practical and innovative response is applied in the construction methodology to drive greater outcome certainty.
Additionally, Keltbray will ensure the overall methodology for delivering further works novates seamlessly to deliver a highly collaborative, ‘joined-up’ project solution.
Michael O’Hagan, Managing Director – Built Environment at Keltbray, said: “Keltbray’s partnership approach to design, delivery and stakeholder liaison will be instrumental in achieving the desired outcome on what will be one of London’s most prestigious projects.
“The application of digital engineering and modern self-delivery methods will bring greater control to this complex scheme, while also supporting economic growth and providing significant social value for London and the UK.”
Darren James, Chief Executive Officer at Keltbray, said: “We are delighted to have secured the first major package of works on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconceive what a museum for London can be, a bespoke shared place for Londoners and visitors from around the world.”
