The first phase of an extensive £5 million renovation at the National Holocaust Museum in Laxton, Nottinghamshire has successfully completed.
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction company Hobson & Porter has now handed over the project to Real Studios, which will oversee the completion of the internal exhibition spaces.
Hobson & Porter’s work has involved a meticulous strip-out of the entire space, reducing the building to its bare framework, alongside significant structural enhancements, reconfiguration of internal walls, and comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plastering, and decoration works.
Hobson & Porter’s contracts manager at the National Holocaust Museum, Steve Musgrave, said: “The museum was originally an old farmhouse that had undergone various extensions and modifications over the years, making it a complex structure with hidden structural steels.
“This has been a fast-moving and evolving project, requiring a real team effort from all those involved. We’ve forged great relationships and worked closely with the client’s project team, including Dannatt Johnson Architects, and Greenwood Projects. Our gratitude extends to our entire supply chain for going over and above to ensure a high-quality outcome.”
Following Hobson & Porter’s outstanding performance on the first phase of works, the firm has been awarded an extensive site wide contract which should begin next month. It will include the extension of several smaller buildings on-site, including the restoration of a cottage that is over 150 years old, alongside essential drainage improvements.
Rich Pittock, Hobson & Porter’s site manager, added “This project has taken a huge effort, but I’m honoured to have been asked to stay on and oversee the next phase of development. I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibition space reach completion before we commence with the next phase of work.”
Elanor Hazlehurst, project manager at Greenwood Projects, added: “The re-design has been in planning for over seven years, and reaching this milestone is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. Despite unexpected challenges along the way, Hobson & Porter has worked tirelessly to keep the programme on schedule and deliver exceptional results.”
Janet Mills, from the National Holocaust Museum, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, said: “This transformation will allow us to present an even more impactful version of our widely acclaimed exhibition, ‘The Journey.’ We also have ambitious plans for a new garden art installation, a collections store for our invaluable Holocaust artifacts, photographs, and documents, as well as enhanced visitor facilities.
“Every year we have between 20,000 and 30,000 school children visit our museum from all over the UK, and we believe our investment will attract even more non-school visitors thanks to the enhanced experience delivered through the works that have been carried out.
“This project honours the legacy of our founders, the Smith family, and the Holocaust survivors who helped establish this museum in their own home, with little external financial support. We are immensely grateful for the generous contributions from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Pears Foundation, and over 40 additional donors who have made this substantial redevelopment possible.”
Hobson & Porter has a strong track record in restoring heritage museum buildings, having recently completed the £3.3 million restoration of Champney Treasure House in Beverley – a popular cultural venue featuring an extensive archive library, museum, café, viewing tower, gardens, and art gallery.
