Willmott Dixon Interiors has started 2020 by being chosen to renew another town centre landmark after Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) appointed the company for the £13m contract to create its new cultural and learning centre.
Willmott Dixon’s fit-out specialist will take forward TWBC’s plans to convert its Grade Two listed former library and museum in Tunbridge Wells into the new Amelia Scott building. TWBC is working with Kent County Council to integrate into one place a museum, art gallery, library, registrations, archives, adult education, tourist information and the Council’s Customer Service team. The facility is named after the town’s famous suffragist and social reformer.
Councillor Jane March, culture, leisure and economic development portfolio holder for TWBC and councillor Mike Hill, cabinet member for community and regulatory services for Kent County Council, said, “The Board is delighted that we have reached a very exciting point in the plans for the new Amelia Scott building. A lot of behind the scenes work has been taking place, and now we have the construction contract signed work can get underway.”
The project to create the Amelia Scott building has been awarded funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, with the redesigned space opening for residents and visitors to the borough to enjoy from 2022. Willmott Dixon Interiors was procured via the Southern Construction Framework.
This further strengthens Willmott Dixon Interiors already extensive track-record for restoring Grade Two listed property. Last year the company was appointed to refurbish Wolverhampton’s Civic Halls and is currently refurbishing Old Admiralty Building adjacent to Horse Guards Parade and The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Recently, it also upgraded Dagenham Civic Centre into Coventry University’s new London Campus, as well as turning the iconic former Commonwealth Institute building in Kensington into a new HQ for the Design Museum.
Graham Shaw, managing director of Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are looking forward to be working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. It’s an exciting project that celebrates the legacy and history of Tunbridge Wells and we’ll be utilising our skills as a UK specialist for refurbishing heritage buildings to ensure we create a modern space; one that brings the community together.”
Last month, Willmott Dixon Interiors was chosen to deliver a £39m refurbishment at London South Bank University’s (LSBU) London Road Building and recently completed a refurbishment of 87,000 square foot in Highbury Grove in Islington to create a new facility for the London Screen Academy.
