Drivers Jonas - Offices Development - London EC2, The Museum of London

Date: 18 Aug 2005

The Museum of London has appointed Drivers Jonas as project manager for its £18m Capital City project. The scheme, which on 21 July 2005 was allocated £10.6m by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will completely transform the Museum's existing lower floor galleries with new displays offering a fresh approach to engaging with its visitors. In addition a new, glass-fronted gallery will be created to display the magnificent Lord Mayor's coach which will be visible for the first time from the street.

The Museum, one of the finest urban history museums in the world, has a unique collection of over two million items, ranging from archaeology and photography, to oral histories and iconic objects like the 1948 Olympic torch. The new scheme will mean double the number of objects will be put on display and all will be accessible online.

The new galleries, due for completion in 2009, will chronicle the story of London from the Great Fire of 1666 to the present - a period when the city emerged as the first great world metropolis and developed into the dynamic and diverse city that it is today.

The scheme will also see the development of a new Clore Learning Centre, providing flexible and inspiring spaces for learners of all ages, and including an e-learning suite, object handling areas and a state-of-the-art theatre.

Jack Lohman, the Museum's director said: 'It is tremendously exciting that HLF has supported our Capital City project, which is rather different in that it is about Londoners' stories and displaying more of our collections rather than an ambitious building scheme. The project will see this museum take a lead in promoting empathy and understanding between Londoners of different generations and cultural backgrounds. Visitors have repeatedly told us they want to contribute to London's story and this will give them just that opportunity.'

Liz Forgan, chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: 'London is a true world city and its rich heritage will play an important role in the cultural programme that will support the Olympic Games; this investment in the city's hugely popular museum will help guarantee that visitors will be offered the finest museum experience as part of their Olympic visits.'

Chris Davies, partner at Drivers Jonas, said "This is a fantastic appointment for Drivers Jonas and a very significant addition to our already considerable portfolio of project management commissions in the cultural and heritage sector. With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, we look forward to helping the Museum to create an exciting and world-class visitor attraction".

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