National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Interiors is delivering important upgrade work to the roof of one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

The company is installing more than 23,000 square foot of new, sun-protected glazing, above the central court area of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

The £12 million project is designed to address water ingress and reduce solar heat gain issues associated with the existing glazing of the Grade I listed building.

It is also expected to provide better acoustics and a much-improved visitor experience. Alongside the roof upgrades, Willmott Dixon Interiors is carrying out a deep clean and servicing of the building’s capital plant, including chillers, air coolers, air handling units, and the underfloor heating and cooling system, which will also undergo a flush. Existing plate heat exchangers are being replaced, and enhancements are being made to the air cooling systems to improve efficiency and performance.

Additionally, works to the internal space will include the renewal of electrical lighting, power, and data systems.

Social mobility

Interiors is also delivering a series of social value-led activities alongside the main works. The contractor and its supply chain are engaging local communities in initiatives ranging from career and employability workshops, to work experience placements for students.

Roger Forsdyke, chief operations officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors:

“The central court is the much-loved heart of the National Maritime Museum, with many visitors passing beneath its huge glass roof every year. This project is about ensuring the best possible experience for those people, as well as the museum’s staff and the collections they care for. The new glazing we are installing will enable natural light to flood the space and give much improved thermal and acoustic qualities too.”

The contract to deliver the works was awarded by public-sector procurement specialist, SCAPE. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE:

“We are delighted to be working closely with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors, to accelerate the delivery of the National Maritime Museum’s roof through our Major Works Framework. At SCAPE, we are committed to delivering social value across each one of our projects and this refurbishment is a fantastic example of how this can be achieved with local community initiatives and career opportunities.”

Track record for heritage

Interiors have previously delivered important upgrades to national heritage property like Old Admiralty Buildings, National Gallery and Sanction Buildings housing the DfE offices is now doing the same for the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.