Discovery Museum in Newcastle Receives £3m Grant for Repair Works

The Discovery Museum in Newcastle is set to undergo vital repair works thanks to a £3m grant from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) in March 2024. The funding will be used to repair the roof, address external masonry and window repairs, and ensure the museum's collections are protected from potential water damage. The project will be led by Durham-based architects Howarth Litchfield, which was appointed as the lead designer on the project.

Key Takeaways:

• The Discovery Museum in Newcastle has received a £3m grant from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) in March 2024 for repair works.
• The funding will be used to repair the roof, address external masonry and window repairs, and protect the museum's collections from potential water damage.
• The project will be led by Durham-based architects Howarth Litchfield, which was appointed as the lead designer on the project based on its experience.
• Important archives will need to be protected during window restoration works.
• The museum will be operational during the works, and the scaffold design will determine how long the Great Hall will be out of action.
• The funding will also ensure that the Great Hall, used for events that provide vital funding for the museum, remains operational during the repair works.

Statistics:

• £3m: the amount of grant received from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) for repair works.
• March 2024: the month and year the grant was received from the MEND.
• 6 storeys: the height of the roof requiring an engineered scaffold design to ensure safety during repair works.
• 50%: the percentage of funding required from Newcastle City Council, with the remaining 50% coming from the £3m grant.
• 12 months: the timeline for the completion of the architect's services contract.

Sources:

• Museums, Galleries and Heritage: 'Discovery Museum in Newcastle Receives £3m Grant for Repair Works'