Sir John Soane’s Museum – Opening Up the Soane
The Opening up of the Soane Museum is a project to open up parts of the Soane Museum not previously forming part of the public experience. The project is HLF funded and has been carried out over three phases.
The first phase comprised the forming of a Conservation Studio, New Gallery, New Shop, forming new visitors’ entrance, installing a new disabled passenger lift within the building and platform lift externally. The works included repairs to the external walls, windows and roof. This phase was carried out in 2011/12.
The second phase was carried out in 2013/14 which included the reinstatement of Soane’s private apartments. The third phase is currently on site and comprises the construction of a new link building with New Court, and refurbishment of Soane Ante Room, Wilde Ante Room, New Picture Room, Apollo Recess and Catacombs. The project is on course to be delivered with the original budget approved by HLF.
Our services included the preparation of cost plans at various stages throughout the pre-contract period, assisting with grant applications, preparing full Bills of Quantities, preparing pre tender estimate, assisting with selection of tenderers, attendance at post tender interviews, preparing report on tenders and issuing a recommendation.
At the post contract stage we prepared monthly valuations, prepared the final account and agreed with contractor, assisted with grant claims, prepared monthly cost reports and attended client meetings and site meetings. We also provided costs and contract advice as requested.
On a project of this nature there are always numerous changes to the extent of repairs, etc as the structure is uncovered and when the Architects are able to fully inspect the works. The tender documents that we prepare need to account for the likely changes and ensure that there are no financial shocks to the clients as the works proceed.
Having worked on numerous listed buildings we are able to use our knowledge and experience to predict the likely problems and include sufficient provisional quantities and sums to cover the expenditure. The second phase was carried out in 2014 which included the reinstatement of Soane’s apartments and the third phase is currently on site. The project is on course to be delivered with the original budget approved by HLF.
