After an extensive programme of restoration and redevelopment, the iconic Hull Maritime Museum is set to reopen its doors on 8th August, marking a major milestone for one of Hull’s most significant heritage attractions!
TGA has been proud to contribute to this landmark project as part of the wider design team led by Purcell Architecture, helping to transform and revitalise several key heritage assets across the city. The wider scheme includes the refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum, the adjacent Dock Office Chambers archive store, the regeneration of Queen’s Gardens, the restoration of the historic Arctic Corsair trawler, and the creation of a new Passivhaus-certified visitor centre.
Breathing New Life into a Historic Landmark
TGA delivered the design of all mechanical and electrical (M&E) services for the National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hull Maritime Museum*. The redevelopment has introduced a striking new glazed atrium within a former lightwell, alongside the creation of significant additional exhibition space within previously unused areas of the basement and second floor.
Working within a historic building of this significance presented a number of challenges. The museum’s landlocked location and the extensive use of internal spaces for exhibitions required a carefully coordinated approach to accommodate modern building services while preserving the fabric and character of the original structure.
Through the use of a fully coordinated Revit model, service routes were meticulously planned to integrate seamlessly with the building’s architecture, minimising visual impact and avoiding damage to historic elements.
Creating the Right Environment for Heritage Collections
A key aspect of the project involved designing environmental conditions suitable for the museum’s diverse collection of maritime artefacts, ensuring they can be preserved and displayed for future generations. Careful consideration was also given to lighting and emergency lighting design, particularly within complex heritage spaces such as the Court Room and the museum’s historic staircase.
Supporting Heritage Across Hull
Beyond the museum itself, TGA also acted as Passivhaus Designers for the new North End Shipyard Visitor Centre, which overlooks the restored Arctic Corsair, and delivered M&E design services for the regeneration of Queen’s Gardens, helping to enhance the visitor experience across this important cultural quarter.
The reopening of Hull Maritime Museum represents the culmination of years of collaboration, expertise and dedication from the entire project team. We are delighted to have played a role in helping safeguard Hull’s rich maritime heritage and look forward to visiting the museum when it reopens this summer.
Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this exceptional project to life. We look forward to visiting when the museum reopens this summer.
