T24-079CAP DNA Maritime Museum Contractors PQQ Application

The project is for the provision of the DNA Museum, Ebrington Square. The new DNA Museum will deliver a world-class attraction and resource to exhibit, explain and explore the rich, unique and fascinating history of Derry ~ Londonderry.

The proposal includes the re-use of two Grade B2 listed buildings, set within the historic ‘star fort’ wall of Ebrington Square, on the east bank of the Foyle River. The site itself is historically significant both to the City and arguably the whole of Northern Ireland, with links to the Siege of Derry.

The Museum will exhibit collections on the history of the City and provide dedicated research facilities for the internationally significant archive, which tells the story of how Derry-Londonderry has contributed globally to maritime history and other significant events in the city’s past. The new development will restore and enhance the two existing listed buildings – the (665m2) three storey No.49 a former army hospital, constructed c1841; and the (714m2) two storey Nos.45/46 a former games room, constructedc1881, which face directly onto the recently landscaped, south facing, former parade ground.

Modern interventions will link and extend the two historic buildings to create the Museum, that will also be respectful of the overall setting. The project will: • Retain and refurbish the two listed buildings, enhancing their historic fabric and creating new purpose for them and improving the visitor experience. • Restore and refurbish the existing external finishes including windows, rendered façade and roof. • Structural works to ensure continued stability of listed buildings and adaption for new use. • Create new dynamic entrance and contemporary public face for the Museum. • The extension to the rear of building No.49 creates a double height, internal circulation route and feature staircase. • New interior throughout to provide modern facilities appropriate for a museum for the 21st century. • Modern finishes throughout with key historic features retained including structural members, historic finishes and the existing staircase to building Nos. 45-46. • A new modern link building between the two historic buildings establishes the flow between the galleries. • The new development will provide a café, permanent and temporary exhibition gallery space, research facilities and staff accommodation.

The Integrated Consultant Team and Interpretative Design Team have worked closely together to deliver an exciting educational and interactive visitor experience. This project brings purpose and life back to these historic structures with a fitting use that responds to both the immediate context and wider city background. Please refer to the CfT documents for further details.