Go-ahead for new British Museum storage facility

A contract to build the new research and storage facility for the British Museum at Wokingham, Berkshire has been awarded to Graham Construction.

The 16,000m² new-build facility will adjoin the University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park and house ancient artefacts from the Museum’s Archaeological Research Collection.

Many of the objects will be moved from the museum’s current storage site at Blythe House in London, which is due to close in 2023.

With a focus on global research, the new building will provide study spaces for academics, researchers, students and members of the public who can access the collection by appointment. There will also be a dedicated loans hub for the Museum to lend objects from the collection across the UK and internationally.

The British Museum’s Project Director, Tony Wilson, said: “We are delighted to be working with Graham Construction on this important project that will help to preserve the Museum’s collection for generations to come.”

Graham Construction Development Director Rob Joyce added: “We’re excited to bring the British Museum’s world-class artefacts to Wokingham and once again be working back at the University of Reading. We have a lot of experience of working with educational institutions to deliver high-quality buildings that facilitate learning and innovation.”

Graham Construction was the lead contractor on the University of Reading’s Thames Valley Science Park – which completed in 2018 and provides 4,400m² of high-quality laboratories and flexible office space to small to medium-sized technology companies.