Project Description:
Formally, the Priest’s House Museum, Greendale Construction carried out extensive internal alteration works to this historic Grade II listed building in Wimborne, Dorset. Works included accessibility alterations throughout the museum, refurbishment, and redecoration internally and externally. No part of the existing structure – a “rabbit warren” of different rooms at differing levels – has been left untouched. The Museum of East Dorset has now been carefully bought up to modern day standards creating a new and appealing visitor attraction in the heart of Wimborne.
The front elevation has undergone significant improvements. A new stainless steel and glass street-side entrance to the Tourist Information Office and large vision panels to the museum have been formed making the whole building more welcoming from the Square. Other major works include a new platform lift, ramps for access, as well as new mechanical and electrical installations throughout the building. New staircases have been created with new doors, whilst others have undergone full refurbishments.
What is particularly interesting was the uncovering of previously unknown building features, which have in turn altered expert opinions on the history and story of the building. Remains of a historic wall in what would have been the front forecourt have been discovered and a section of this is now displayed back lit below a glass floor vision panel. The new space has established new formal and informal learning and community programmes. The project has delivered new opportunities and training for volunteers and initiated more outreach programmes to the villages of East Dorset.
This fantastic revival project was made possible by generous donations and fundraising from The National Lottery Heritage Fund; H B Allen Charitable Trust; Garfield Weston Foundation; The Talbot Village Trust; The Foyle Foundation; Dorset Council; the former East Dorset District Council; The Pilgrim Trust; The Valentine Trust; The Georgian Group; Bloor Homes; Renaissance Homes; Teacher’s Building Society; The Civic Society, and the local community.
The project is now ready for the interpretation phase and the Tourist Information Office will be prepared ready to open to the public. Robert Hooker, Project Director for Greendale Construction said; “Our thanks and appreciation go out to the whole team involved in delivering this interesting and worthwhile project. Through collaborative working we have managed to achieve the difficult goal of creating a fully accessible and welcoming museum building which visitors will enjoy for generation to come.”
Architect: Thread Architects
Surveyor: Currie & Brown
Structural Engineer: Mann Williams
M&E Consultants: Martin Thomas Associates
“I am hugely grateful to the entire team at Greendale Construction for their expertise, their dedication, and for the excellence they have delivered. This was far from a simple project; the unique quirks this building has accrued over the centuries certainly presented plenty of challenges along the way. With it being Grade II* listed, the stakes were extremely high. Thankfully, the great skill, care and sensitivity shown by everyone working on this project have ensured it has been a resounding success. Greendale has helped us to marry the old with the new, preserving and restoring the history of this special building, while at the same time creating a stunning, accessible and exciting place for 21st century visitors.” – David Morgan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the end result. Greendale has done an absolutely amazing job in updating the building and conserving and bringing out more of the wonderful historic fabric. Your work has then made everything else possible. The first visitors have given very positive feedback.”– James Webb, Acting Director, Museum of East Dorset.
Heritage