Property and construction consultancy Bellrock Consulting has been appointed to project manage the £13.6 million refurbishment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. The project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and The Wolfson Foundation, aims to protect the museum’s heritage and realize a vision for future generations to enjoy the venue.
The museum, housing over 108,000 artefacts, is a Grade II-listed building with three distinct construction phases. The refurbishment will focus on the building’s fabric and incorporate modern designs to enhance the museum’s offer.
Leo Heath, Bellrock’s associate director and lead project manager, said: “Managing a project of this scale, with such regional significance, presents unique challenges. We are working within a Grade II-listed building, which features three distinct construction phases and methodologies alongside the Winter Gardens. With the last major intervention dating back to the early 2000s, much of the refurbishment will involve the building’s fabric, as well as incorporating modern designs to further improve the museum’s offer.
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Safely preparing to work around and protect a delicate collection of more than 108,000 museum artefacts, while safeguarding the Winter Gardens’ living botanical collection and striking glass dome, requires meticulous coordination. But our team is ready to guide this precious cultural asset safely through its next chapter.”
The museum is expected to reopen in December 2028. Bellrock, with a national presence including a Newcastle office, is working alongside Sunderland City Council. Councillor Ciera Hudspith, the council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism, and heritage, stated: “Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens has been a cherished cornerstone of our community for generations. While we begin preparing the collections for their temporary hibernation, having Bellrock’s expert project management support and cost consultants ensures our heritage is protected and our vision is realised for future generations.”
