A new extension is planned for the world-famous Royal Observatory Greenwich, with improved facilities for visitors also on the remit. The architectural team that wins the government tender would act as lead consultant and principal designer and would need to be highly experienced in heritage architecture.
“We require the services of a chartered architectural practice, with extensive experience in heritage architecture within a World Heritage Site, to deliver an architectural proposition for the Royal Observatory Greenwich,” states the Tender. “The practice will form and lead a multidisciplinary team which will develop an innovative solution to maximise the available footprint; improve site access and enhance the overall visitor experience of the ROG.”
The tender suggests that the “innovative solution” could include a new build element located adjacent to the Planetarium and listed South Building. The contract is worth £450,000 and the tender states that the contract value is based on an “initial construction estimate of £4.5 million”.
Seeking in principle support from Historic England
The chosen practice would help develop and respond to the brief with innovative solutions. It would lead a multidisciplinary team (including quantity surveyor, structural engineer, M&E consultant and fire system consultant) to develop a concept plan that could secure potential support from key stakeholders such as Historic England and RB Greenwich.
The architect would provide a concept cost plan, co-ordinated design services, and would act as both contract administrator and employers agent. The contract is set to start 4th January 2022 and end 9th September 2024.
The closing date for submissions is 2 September 2021.
The full details for applicants are here.
UNESCO World Heritage site with listed buildings
The Royal Observatory is an ancient scheduled monument. The site features a mix of Grade I, Grade II and Grade II* buildings. It sits within Greenwich Park which is Grade I listed and is, in addition, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal Museums Greenwich receives direct government funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which is supplemented by self-generated income from trading and donations.
Images © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
