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 were lead design consultant from Stages 1- 6 that considered feasibility options for the prison
transformation through to completion of the project. 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 work included:
• New patent glazing lantern light above the main atrium that enabled a bespoke fire strategy to be
implemented
• New accessible entrance, 2 new stair cores and a lift enabling enhanced accessibility throughout the very
constrained 1890s building
• Renewed M+E infrastructure
• Interpretation design
The Lock-Up, as you may expect from a gaol, was not suited for public use with only one stepped access to
the front of the building. The main challenge was therefore to improve this scenario twinned with the need for a
suitable fire strategy whilst minimising impact on heritage significance.
The solution required the demolition of some prison cells to form new stair cores and one lift shaft. Although
impactful, the change was necessary and accepted on the balance of public benefit being enhanced by
providing a sustainable and continued use for the building. The project was National Lottery Heritage Fund
(NLHF) funded and Lathams contributed significantly to the application providing Conservation Management
Plan and Maintenance and 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, but Simon in particular went over and above in ensuring that he completed everything 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