The British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios LLP (FCB) as architects to develop their new centre, following a competitive tender process. They will now start work to restore and regenerate the Grade II* ‘At Risk’ listed building and create the BPMA’s new home in the historic former Great Western Railway Chain Testing Works in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The new centre will provide full public access to the BPMA’s unique and fascinating collections, as well as providing responsive, flexible storage and conservation facilities. It will also enable a vast expansion of its educational programme and work for young visitors. A phased opening is planned to begin in 2013.
The BPMA combines the collection of the former National Postal Museum and the Royal Mail Archive and contains iconic objects such as red pillar boxes and postal vehicles, as well as every British stamp issued since the Penny Black, original design artwork, posters and photographs.
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios LLP are industry leaders in creative re-use and sustainability, and have recently completed such landmark projects as the new learning centre at Hampton Court Palace and the Valence House Museum and Archive for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. They have also designed the National Trust’s award-winning headquarters, Heelis, on the Great Western Railway site and have previously worked on the overall site master-planning for Swindon Borough Council.
Adrian Steel, Director of the BPMA commented: “The BPMA is very pleased to have appointed FCB as architects for this exciting new project. We feel that they are the right partner to deliver the new home our outstanding collections deserve – they have over 30 years experience in the industry with a strong track record and fantastic reputation.”
In June 2010, the BPMA received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) first-round pass for a grant of £2,617,800, including development funding of £117,800 for the project.
