Museum secures funding to safeguard future

A North East landmark is preparing for a major restoration with a multi-million-pound programme of repairs now moving forward.

Procurement has begun to find a contractor to deliver works at Blandford House, the Grade II-listed home of Newcastle’s Discovery Museum. 

Built in 1899, the building will undergo a £4.25 million overhaul to restore its roof, masonry and windows.

Funding includes a £3 million grant from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), awarded in 2024, alongside support from Newcastle City Council.

Bosses at North East Museums, which manages the Discovery Museum on behalf of the council, said the investment will protect an important cultural site while ensuring it continues to serve the city as a key attraction.

Keith Merrin, director of North East Museums, said: “We are very grateful for the funding we have received from the MEND programme, which is administered by Arts Council England, towards this crucial maintenance work at Discovery Museum. 

“It will be used to repair the roof over the magnificent Great Hall, which is used for events, some of which provide vital funding for the running of the museum.

“It will also ensure that the collections housed in the museum stay protected from potential water damage to be preserved for the future. 

“The museum welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year, so it is essential we can continue to provide a great experience for them.”

Durham-based practice Howarth Litchfield has been appointed as lead designer to take the project from planning to completion. 

The award-winning architecture firm, which specialises in heritage and conservation work, will oversee the programme with input from Adelphi Structural Engineers and cost consultants Todd Milburn.

Geoff Foreman, senior specialist – project manager from the capital investment and growth team at Newcastle City Council, added: “Following a nationally competitive procurement process, I am delighted to welcome Howarth Litchfield Architects as the lead designer for the Discovery Museum’s roof and external fabric restoration.

“The Discovery Museum, housed in the iconic Grade II-listed Blandford House, is one of Newcastle’s most cherished cultural landmarks and a favourite destination for families across the region.

“The work that Howarth Litchfield and their team will undertake is vital to preserving the building’s historic character and ensuring its continued use and enjoyment for generations to come.”

Neil Turner, Howarth Litchfield director and conservation architect, added: “We were delighted with this appointment by Newcastle City Council, which was awarded based on our experience.

“We specialise in preserving, re-developing and repairing historic buildings, so they can continue to be used successfully. 

“In this case, we are involved in the detailed design and delivery of the project on site.

“Working on a roof six storeys in the air with an atrium on one side poses various challenges so an engineered scaffold design will be required and this formed part of the tender package. 

“Important archives will also 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.”

Dave Pickersgill, technical director at Howarth Litchfield, added: “Winning this tender not only provides an opportunity for us to add to our portfolio of conservation work, at the same time it means we can demonstrate our experience and flair for transforming old buildings to give them a new lease of life.”

The project is expected to conclude in August 2026, with the repairs designed to safeguard the historic building for future generations.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →