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Bold plans for ‘reimagined’ York Castle Museum take big step forward

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It has inspired and enthralled generations of visitors through its vivid restaging of our past.

Now York Castle Museum is looking to the future as bold plans to reimagine the venue take a big step forward.

York Museums Trust has appointed the team that will work on the initial design phase of a major multi-million pound redevelopment at the museum.

The first phase of the project will see the creation of masterplan and concept designs for the reimagined museum in preparation for the funding campaign.

Creating a masterplan

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The proposed development will be a significant part of the City of York Council’s plans for the regeneration of the Castle Gateway area.

The team chosen are:

  • Lead architect – Alison Brooks Architects working with Richard Griffiths Architects, Purcell Architecture and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design
  • Exhibition and interpretation design – Real Studios
  • Structural engineers – BDP
  • Quantity surveyors – Appleyard and Trew
  • Mechanical and electrical engineers – BuroHappold Engineering

Paul Lambert, head of strategy, finance and corporate services at the trust, said:

  • The number of applicants for the project has been phenomenal; this was a very competitive appointment.

    We are thrilled that we now have our RIBA stage one design team in place and we look forward to working with them on the next steps in realising our ambitious plans for the museum.

    We are continuing to work closely with the City of York Council and English Heritage so that our plans enhance and complement the wider vision for the Castle Gateway area.

The vision

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York Museums Trust’s objectives for the York Castle Museum capital project are to:

  • Establish the York Castle Museum as the home of a national collection of everyday life, presenting and interpreting objects to engage diverse audiences

  • Create a sense of place by increasing understanding of the site’s history and archaeology underlining the importance of the Eye of York and Castle and Prison history in the national story

  • Provide a must-see experience, delivering a welcoming and accessible attraction for the city of York with world class visitor facilities

  • Deliver a high quality architectural and landscape intervention in the site that transforms it into a destination in its own right for residents and visitors.