Focusing on bringing a police heritage collection to a historic Grade II Listed building in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, the former prison has been transformed and re-launched with a new strategy to engage, educate and inspire as a Police Museum and Archive.
Lathams acted as lead design consultant right from options feasibility through to project completion. Layout and access constraints meant that careful attention was taken to minimise fabric intervention whilst creating a unique museum experience within a very restricted building. Significant portions of the work included: a new patent glazing lantern light above the main atrium linked to a bespoke fire strategy; new stair cores, lift and accessible entrance; renewed M&E infrastructure, and interpretation design.
Built as a gaol in the 1890s, the Lock-Up was not suited for public use, having a single stepped access at the front of the building. The main challenge was therefore to improve access, and develop a suitable fire strategy whilst minimising impacts on its heritage significance. The solution to this very constrained building required the demolition of some prison cells, to form new stair cores and one lift shaft, to enable enhanced accessibility throughout. Although impactful, the change was necessary and accepted on the balance of public benefit through the continued and sustainable use of the building. The project was National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funded and Lathams contributed significantly to the application providing Conservation Management Plan and Maintenance & Management Plan toward the Round 1 and 2 bid process.
Lathams were with us throughout our transformation project, turning a Victorian cellblock into a 21st Century museum. Helping with an initial feasibility study to gauge heritage lottery funding interest and estimated costs, right through to completion. There were many unique challenges in taking a space designed to lock up prisoners, and turn it into something suitable for members of the public to wander around (including school children, people with accessibility needs and large groups).
The project team had a clear vision of what we wanted, but were inexperienced with the process, formalities and different steps involved with such a significant undertaking. Lathams were able to guide us every step of the way and support us throughout. All members of the team were very pleasant and helpful to work with, with everything completed to a very high standard, acting as a fantastic liaison between ourselves and the main contractors, always ensuring our needs and requirements were met. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in using Lathams for any future building project and would have high confidence in their ability to deliver.
Heritage Manager / Police Heritage Ambassador