Historic Royal Palaces has announced a multimillion-pound transformation of the Tower of London's learning and community spaces.
The project represents the biggest-ever investment in learning and community engagement at the 1,000-year-old tourist attraction.
Through philanthropic support, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is being reimagined as one of the UK's most inspiring places for learning, creativity and community connection.
The Tower of London has announced the biggest-ever investment in learning and community engagement
New facilities designed by Jamie Fobert Architects will include two new learning centres, dedicated spaces for community use and an archive study centre.
"The Tower of London is so rich in history and extraordinary architecture; it is a honour to be tasked with creating new learning and community spaces within its walls," said Jamie Fobert.
Additionally, the development includes a green classroom in the moat designed by landscape architects Grant Associates. This will offer opportunities for outdoor learning, encouraging exploration and wellbeing.
Expanding learning capacity by 250%
Expanding learning capacity by 250 percent, the investment will increase school visits from 125,000 to 200,000 every year, also extending access to the Tower of London across the country through digital programmes and outreach.
The multi-year programme is part of Historic Royal Palaces' long-term vision for the site, dubbed 'Tomorrow's Tower'.
"The Tower of London should be a place of learning, discovery and connection for everyone, and Tomorrow’s Tower is our long‑term commitment to making that happen," said John Barnes, chief executive of Historic Royal Palaces.
The Tower of London is adding two new learning centres, dedicated spaces for community use and an archive study centre
"This investment in schools and learning is an important first step, within a wider programme that also addresses sustainability, visitor experience, conservation and access.
"Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we are opening the tower up more widely, so future generations can understand why its stories still matter."
Brigadier Andrew Jackson, the Tower of London's governor, said: "By opening up new spaces for learning, community and discovery, we are ensuring the tower’s stories continue to resonate, reaching more classrooms, more communities and the millions of people from around the world who visit each year, while carefully protecting what makes this extraordinary place so special."
Images courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces
