Introduction
Rick Mather Architects have been appointed by Ipswich Borough Council to develop the plans for Ipswich Museum as part of their ambitious campus masterplan. The development seeks to establish a centre of excellence with the extensive refurbishment of Ipswich Museum and Arts Hub.
Client
Ipswich Borough Council
Location
Ipswich, UK
Size
5,300sqm
Value
£14.8m
The Ipswich Museum is a Natural History Gallery and Arts Complex comprising the New Wolsey Studio Theatre, the High Street Exhibition Gallery, and Ipswich Art School Gallery. One of the earliest public museums in the country, it is known for its authentic and well preserved Natural History collection. In 1881 the collection relocated to the purpose built Victorian brick and terracotta Museum, which included separate wings for a Library and School of Art and Science.
A heritage lead regeneration project, it is being supported by the HLF and Arts Council England. Complimenting the restoration of the Grade II listed fabric and the re-interpretation of the collection, new build interventions will make the most of the existing courtyards and include additional circulation and orientation space found out of the residual spaces between the existing buildings.