![Image of the London Museum at Smithfield [© Secchi Smith]](http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/assets/news_articles/2023/05/1683786480_508-mol-planning-images-02-proposed-aerial--c--secchi-smith.jpg)
The contract signing comes as the museum completes the first phase of restoration work on the external facades of the almost 150-year-old General Market. This is considered to be a key milestone in the overall construction project, and part of a plan to conserve the building’s historic fabric, originally designed by Sir Horace Jones.
Meanwhile internal works to the General Market are progressing, preparing it for future use through the excavation of service trenches in the site’s former Salt Stores and Vaults and formation of the new floor level.
Some 10,000 sqm of Victorian brickwork in the basement has also been cleaned and restored. Work has now begun to build a layered concrete staircase in the General Market to connect the museum galleries.
The museum will reopen at Smithfield – in 2026 if all goes to plan – under a new name, The London Museum.
Alec Shaw, the museum’s project director, said: “The New London Museum project is one of the most ambitious and complex cultural projects in Europe and one which will be the best city museum in the world once it is completed. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine to carry out the next phase in this hugely ambitious programme for a new, modern museum which reaches the highest standards of sustainability in both build and operation.
“Their expertise and passion for the project will prove invaluable in realising our vision for a museum which is not only world class but also maintains the unique character of the historic buildings in which it will be housed.”
The Museum was recently granted planning permission, covering both the General Market and Poultry Market where the new museum will be based, 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.
In preparation for its move to Smithfield, the museum closed at London Wall in December 2022. The Museum of London Docklands remains open.
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McAlpine, a leading construction and environmental services firm based in London, have signed a contract to build a new Museum of London in the city’s historic East Smithfield district.
The Museum of London, established in 1976, is the most visited urban history museum in the world and gives visitors a rich and vibrant insight into the story of London’s people and the city throughout its history. In the wake of its success, the museum had been experiencing rising demand and it was decided that a new, larger facility should be constructed. The new museum, located on the west side of Tower Bridge, is expected to increase the museum’s capacity by more than double.
McAlpine was chosen to lead the engineering and construction of the new Museum of London as a result of its extensive portfolio of award-winning work and expertise in the field. The company will use its extensive experience in the sector to provide an exceptionally high-quality and cost-effective project. The museum’s iconic design, which pays homage to London’s history and culture, was designed by architectural firm Farrells and will be built using sustainable materials to ensure minimal environmental impact.
McAlpine is looking forward to beginning construction and has promised to collaborate closely with the Museum of London, the local authority and local residents to successfully deliver this important and timely project to the people of the city.
McAlpine CEO, Jon Bunn, welcomed the opportunity. “We are proud and excited to be involved in the development of such an important and iconic facility for the city of London and its people. We look forward to working closely with the Museum of London and the local community to deliver a quality project that will enhance the experience for visitors for years to come,” he said.
McAlpine and the Museum of London are confident that the new attraction will be an invaluable addition to the cultural and historical landscape of London, and they look forward to the opportunities that this new project will bring.
