Graham lands plum NRM job
The National Railway Museum has signed a contract with the construction firm to deliver Central Hall, a landmark new building at the York attraction.
Central Hall is described as a bespoke building designed by Feilden Fowles, intended to unify amenities in a central entrance space, providing level access for the first time as well as a new gallery space, toilets, café and shop.
The project, billed at around £16.5m originally, forms part of the wider York Central partnership which positions the National Railway Museum as the cultural heart within the city’s flagship regeneration project.
Signing of the contract follows the Prime Minister’s announcement of an additional £3m of funding to help unlock progress on the project following complexities around the ‘stopping-up’ of Leeman Road, which divided the museum.
Graham, which had previously been appointed to deliver pre-construction services for Central Hall, can now begin main construction works for the building, which will complete over the next two years.
Craig Bentley, director of the National Railway Museum, said: “Central Hall is more than a new building – it is a bold, future-facing statement that embodies the Railway Museum’s commitment to being ‘Open for All’ and sets a new sustainability benchmark for the site.
“I cannot wait to see this landmark new space emerge from the ground as we begin our next chapter as the world’s gateway to the past, present and future of railways.”
Designed to tell the story of rail’s future as well as its past, Central Hall will introduce interpretive spaces such as Railway Futures: The Porterbrook Gallery, spotlighting how emerging technologies are shaping the next era of rail.
Edel Millar, masterplan project director, said: “Central Hall represents a transformational moment for the National Railway Museum.
“It will create a more welcoming, accessible and intuitive experience for visitors, bringing together the museum’s historic buildings through a seamless journey and providing greatly improved facilities for everyone who visits.”
Julian Donnelly, contracts manager at Graham, said: “Reaching the main construction phase is a significant milestone for Central Hall and we are proud to continue our partnership with the National Railway Museum on such an important project.
“This landmark development will create a welcoming and accessible gateway for visitors while celebrating the rich heritage and future innovation of Britain’s railways. Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable building that will serve generations of visitors and become a key part of the museum’s transformation.”
Central Hall’s design is circular, clad in recycled copper with high, glazed ceilings with timber radials, referencing historic locomotive roundhouses.
