Construction company J Tomlinson has completed work on a
£9.5 million redevelopment of Coventry Transport Museum and Old Grammar School.
The museum, which houses hundreds of unique exhibits
including the world’s fastest cars ThrustSSC and Thrust2, has been completely
transformed following a 15-month
redevelopment programme.
Nottingham-based J Tomlinson’s role included £4 million of
the work, which involved building two new extensions, structural and internal
alterations, as well as external modifications.
Twelve of the museum’s 14 galleries have been completely
transformed, including the creation of a stunning all-new permanent World Land
Speed Record Exhibition for ThrustSSC and Thrust2.
The project has also involved the redevelopment of the
museum’s neighbouring Grade 1 listed, 12th Century Old Grammar School, which has
been brought back into public use as an exhibition, education and events space.
Martin Gallagher, Construction Managing Director at J
Tomlinson, said: “Coventry
Transport Museum holds the largest publicly owned collection of British
vehicles in the world, and J Tomlinson is proud to have been involved in this
redevelopment scheme which has created a new home for them, and for the
hundreds of other exhibits on display.
“This is a
world-class museum that showcases Coventry’s rich transport heritage. The
adjacent Grade 1 listed, 12th Century Grammar School is also a very
special building, and we are very pleased to have given this a new lease of
life as it opens the next chapter in its long and illustrious history.
“J
Tomlinson has completed the project on time and on budget, and we are delighted
that the museum is now fully open again for the public to enjoy.”
Coventry
Transport Museum fully re-opened on Saturday 20th June with a
special event involving supercar stuntman Terry Grant, who is famous for
holding over 20 stunt-related World Records, and petrolhead duo and presenters
Harry Metcalfe and Amanda Stretton who showcased a Trailblazing Cars of the World tribute; including a Ferrari F40,
Porsche 911, Jaguar C-type, original Range Rover and many more.
Culture
Coventry chief executive Gary Hall said: “Re-launching the museum is the
culmination of seven years of hard work by the team. It marks yet another
landmark for Coventry’s transport heritage, but also preserves its rich
history. The museum provides a haven for visitors to immerse themselves in the
past, present and future of Coventry’s transport legacy - capturing the
imagination of visitors of all ages. We
are extremely grateful to the European Regional Development Fund, the Heritage
Lottery Fund and all of the other organisations who have supported this project
throughout.”
J Tomlinson, which is based in Lilac Grove, Beeston, near
Nottingham, and operates mainly throughout the East and West Midlands, provides
a range of services including construction, refurbishment, repairs and
maintenance, mechanical and electrical engineering, energy efficiency, fit out
and facilities management.
Coventry
Transport Museum’s redevelopment project was funded by the European Regional
Development Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield Weston, as well as Biffa
Award and WREN via the Landfill Communities Fund, and Arts Council England.
For more information visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk
Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk
