The Hereford Museum and Gallery is a pioneering Victorian combined library, museum, gallery and home for the Woolhope Club. It is located opposite Hereford Cathedral in the heart of the city. Ferrey and Mennim were appointed by Architype architects for the heritage aspects of their £18 million renovation and extension of the museum. This proposal included reopening elements of the original 1873 Venetian Gothic design but also a new rooftop extension to the rear of the building. In addition to improved gallery provision, new café facilities and stair and lift access are being provided. A comprehensive fire strategy is also being sensitively applied to modern standards and will allow much more of the building to be used.
Ferrey and Mennim undertook historical research and provided heritage input for the in-depth design development discussions. Liaison with planning, Historic England and other community consultations were carried out and the Visual Impact and Heritage Impact Assessments developed in close coordination with Architype Architects.
Architype are environmental sustainability pioneers and detailed design was undertaken to EnerPHit standard (the renovation version of the Passivhaus environmental standard) which led to extensive discussions to ensure that important historic elements were respected and their heritage importance suitably maintained.
The result when complete will be a museum and gallery ready for its next 150 years at the heart of Hereford.
