Herefordshire Council has announced the appointment of VINCI Building to provide construction advice and support for the remaining design stage of Hereford’s new Museum and Art Gallery. The company was chosen because of its extensive relevant experience, including award winning projects at heritage sites such as York Guildhall, Stonehenge Visitor Centre and the National Portrait Gallery.

Mace Ltd will continue to provide project management and design services for the same period. Mace have supported Herefordshire Council through the early stages of the project, providing support through the complexities of planning approval to reach the final design stages prior to commencement of construction.

This decision will bring the vision for Hereford’s new Museum and Art Gallery a step closer. The vision is to offer visitors a dynamic social space in the heart of the city where they can get involved with heritage and cultural activities in fun, unexpected and exciting ways.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said:

I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of VINCI Building to help us through the next phase of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery transformation project. Their previous experience with the restoration and renovation of heritage projects is hugely impressive and we look forward to working with them in the months to come.

Once completed, the new Museum and Art Gallery will offer visitors eight modernised galleries and display spaces, a temporary exhibition space and a fabulous roof-top café and courtyard that will give 360 degree views over the city and surrounding countryside.  The renovations will also include the restoration of the historic Woolhope Club Room.

New events and education spaces will provide plenty of opportunities for community engagement and schools projects.

This will be the first UK-based museum to be renovated to EnerPHit environmental standards. This means that the refurbished building will be highly energy efficient, leading to potential energy cost savings of 75-90%.

Hereford’s new museum and art gallery is expected to be open to the public in 2027. Its redevelopment has been funded by Herefordshire Council, Stronger Hereford, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.