Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens closes for major transformation
Purcell is leading the design of a major redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, as the landmark cultural attraction temporarily closes its doors ahead of a significant programme of refurbishment.
Working with Sunderland City Council and a multidisciplinary design team, Purcell is developing a series of carefully considered interventions that will transform the visitor experience while protecting the character and significance of the Grade II-listed building.
Ahead of the closure, Purcell Senior Architect Tom Walker was interviewed by BBC Look North. Tom discussed Purcell’s approach to working with the historic building and the challenges of adapting a listed museum to meet contemporary visitor, operational and environmental needs.
Essential repairs and upgrades will help secure the building’s long-term future, improving accessibility, sustainability and the overall visitor offer.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is particularly significant as the first purpose-built civic museum outside London. Since opening in the 19th century, the building has been extended and altered several times, most recently through the addition of the fully glazed Winter Gardens in 2001. Several of the museum’s collections also have Designated status, which are of national importance.
Today, it remains one of North East England’s most popular free attractions. However, the site has not benefitted from significant investment or redevelopment since the turn of the millennium, making this programme of works a crucial step in ensuring its continued success for future generations.
