Mather & Co has been selected for the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery.
The selection, won through a competitive public tender, consists of the redevelopment of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, creating a dynamic social space at the heart of the City and establishing a place where people can engage with heritage activities in fun, unexpected and exciting ways.
It is the first museum EnerPHit project in the UK and the most ambitious heritage retrofit EnerPHit project of this scale, whilst also being a flagship architectural project for environmental design.
The redeveloped Hereford Museum and Art Gallery will see new exhibition spaces, enhanced visitor facilities and improved accessibility.
Herefordshire Council has appointed Mather & Co, a leading design consultancy with extensive experience in museum and visitor attractions, to work as gallery designers in creating an engaging and innovative visitor experience. Their expertise will help transform the museum’s Grade II-listed building into a contemporary cultural destination for local people and tourists.
Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member community services ad assets, said: “We’re excited to have Mather & Co. on board for this ambitious project. Their exceptional track record in designing immersive and thought-provoking museums will help us create a truly unique and captivating experience for our visitors. Together, we look forward to crafting a space that celebrates Herefordshire’s heritage, arts and culture and inspire generations to come.”
Mather & Co.’s appointment comes as the redevelopment moves into its next stage: developing technical designs and then construction, as Leanne Clydesdale, Content Manager, Mather & Co explained: “Mather & Co are delighted to be working with Herefordshire Council on this prestigious redevelopment. We are excited to build on the existing work already undertaken, working alongside the people of Hereford to shape their museum for the future.
“The unique heritage and history of the region will be brought out through a closer co-development with audiences, working with stories and collections to create a strong sense of pride and ownership. We’re looking forward to starting on this next phase in what will be a flagship project for everyone.”
The appointment of Mather & Co has been made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. The project is funded by £5m from the Stronger Towns Fund, £8m from Herefordshire Council and £5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The redevelopment includes new galleries and display spaces, a temporary exhibition space, the restoration of the historic Woolhope Club Room and new commercial areas including a retail space, a roof-top café and events and education space. A spectacular viewing beacon and roof terrace will be accessible from the fifth floor courtyard space providing incredible 360 degree views over the city and surrounding Herefordshire landscape.
It is a flagship architectural project for environmental design, and meets Herefordshire Council’s 2030 carbon neutral agenda. This project champions environmental approaches, drawing on the latest sustainable technologies and design, and looking at innovative ways to discuss our impact on the world around us today.
Live science from the Woolhope Club will feed into gallery displays, visitors can interrogate the inner workings of the building, and take part in environmental events and activities. The pinnacle will be the roof garden and bee hive installation on the top of the building tended by community volunteers.
Image: Mather & Co