The Client and Commission

Imperial War Museum (IWM) wishes to create two new world-leading galleries. The first will place the story of Britain in the Second World War within a global context. The second will tell the story of the Holocaust, drawing on the latest academic thinking. The new galleries will build upon and improve the high standards for narrative based museums set by IWM in its First World War Galleries. The overall project will comprise the design, construction and fit out of the new Galleries, together with a refresh of the Second World War atrium terrace displays. Phase 2a will consist of the completion of the new Second World War Galleries (SWWG) on Level 1 and Phase 2b, the new Holocaust Galleries (HG), on Level 2.


Alongside the new galleries Phase 2 will also include new Learning and Event spaces stacked on Levels 1 and 2.

The Stats

Value

Value

Confidential

Confidential

Client

Client

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum

Project and Cost Managers

Project and Cost Managers

Fraser Randall

Fraser Randall

Architects

Architects

Dannatt Johnson Architects

Dannatt Johnson Architects

The Services

Blue Sky Building was commissioned in 2016 to conduct a feasibility study to satisfy the Client that the scheme is buildable. This study/proof of concept focused on the site constraints and key elements of work which identified the likely methods, logistics, plant and programme for each phase.

In 2017 we produced two Construction Management Plans to satisfy planning conditions for Phases 2A & 2B of Transforming Imperial War Museum. In addition, an estimate of construction deliveries for both phases was also required.

The Imperial War Museum is a Grade II listed building and therefore our report recognised the careful approach necessary to protecting the historic building fabric.

Best practice standards and procedures were identified for this refurbishment project, which ensured that the interests of local residents, businesses and the public are given special attention by the Contractor during the works duration.
Our report highlighted how the critical demolition and construction activities would be undertaken, and specifically covered the environmental, public health and safety aspects of this proposed refurbishment project.

Key outputs from our report featured:

  • Protection of the historic fabric
  • Removal of existing exhibitions
  • Structural alterations within the existing building
  • Installation of new mechanical & electrical services
  • Fitting out of new galleries
  • Noise during demolition
  • Noise during construction
  • Working hours
  • Deliveries
  • Vehicle safety
  • Waste removal
  • Programme

Due to the progressing of works to The All Saints Annex near the main building, and although these works are subject to a separate application, we recognised the need for a coordinated approach to logistics and construction as the programmes of the two developments are likely to overlap. 

Project Leadership Team

Hugh Taylor