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Ipswich Museum Fit-Out
improved facilities, a passenger lift, and internal and external ramps.
Compact site conditions in a busy residential street have necessitated thoughtful logistics; plant and materials are stored off-site, and over 90 percent of waste is recycled according to ISO 14001 standards.
Inside the building, Pringle Richards Sharratt has orchestrated a delicate balance between conservation and innovation. The building’ s original cornices, skirting boards, floor tiles and floorboards are being carefully restored, while extensive window repairs complete the atmosphere of meticulous craftsmanship.
A new staircase in the north wing and a sleek lift shaft connecting all floors are enhancing movement and accessibility across the site. Rooflight installations in the west wing promise to flood gallery spaces with natural daylight, and a landscaped terrace with outdoor seating is set to offer visitors a place to rest and reflect.
The redevelopment is not only architectural- it’ s also spatial. Areas once devoted to back-of-house offices are now being transformed into galleries, research and conservation rooms, and a dynamic learning space.
The design accommodates an expanded gift shop, improved toilets including accessible facilities in the basement and other amenities aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
Funding for the project stands at approximately £ 11.5 million, sourced through Ipswich Borough Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Clore Duffield Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston, The Wolfson Foundation, and the Friends of Ipswich Museum.
projects— technical complexity, structural constraints, unforeseen restoration needs which have extended the schedule and increased costs.
Despite these pressures, progress remains steady. By June 2025, construction was entering an advanced stage: mechanical, electrical, basement services and roof works were substantially completed, and interior decorations and finishes were in hand.
However, she cautioned that an exact reopening date remains fluid, with a planned window in the first half of 2026.
What makes this redevelopment truly stand out is the collaborative spirit guiding it. Gipping Construction’ s heritage expertise and local presence ensure that conservation efforts are carried out with care and precision, while Pringle Richards Sharratt’ s significant track record in museum and gallery architecture gives the project a strong conceptual base.
Council, funding bodies and the community are working in concert, with art competitions, school outreach and on-site educational events amplifying broad public engagement.
When Ipswich Museum reopens its doors in 2026, visitors will step into a revitalised institution that honours its 19thcentury origins while serving 21st-century demands.
From improved accessibility including lift, ramps and enhanced visitor facilities, to reimagined galleries, new learning zones, and conservation spaces, the project promises to elevate the museum to regional prominence.
It aims to display more of Ipswich’ s rich collections, host events and activities, and offer an inclusive environment for education and cultural exploration across all ages.
When initially budgeted at £ 8.7 million, the scheme encountered challenges typical of Grade II * heritage
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