Pritchard Architecture Appointed for Maritime Archaeology Centre in Yarmouth
The Maritime Archaeology Trust (MAT) have embarked on an exciting project to create a regionally, nationally and internationally recognised museum and centre of excellence for maritime archaeology on the site of the former Yarmouth Primary School on the Isle of Wight.
Following a competitive tender process, the Trust have selected Pritchard Architecture to develop proposals to convert and extend the former school buildings to create imaginative and innovative spaces for the new centre.
The new centre will use the MAT collections to tell the diverse, global and inspiring narratives linked to the many ships, artefacts and submerged landscapes represented in the collections. Themes of wreck and rescue, underwater discovery, the marine environment and how archaeologists work will be incorporated.
The project will include the relocation and enhancement of the Shipwreck Centre and Maritime Museum, one of the largest and most significant multi-shipwreck site collections in the UK.
Pritchard Architecture have been appointed for their proven track record in delivering successful cultural projects within heritage buildings. Based in Portsmouth Dockyard, the award-winning practice brings a deep understanding of the unique requirements of museums and visitor attractions, having completed numerous similar schemes in historically sensitive settings.
‘Developing the new museum and centre at Yarmouth represents an exciting opportunity for MAT to support and extend our work at the forefront of investigating and making maritime archaeology accessible and enjoyable for all. We are excited to be working with Pritchard Architecture on this new voyage, their understanding of our vision, approach for the site and experience impressed and we are thrilled to have them as part of the team’. Garry Momber, Director, MAT
‘We are delighted to have been appointed by the trust to develop this project and are looking forward to working closely together to adapt the former school buildings to create inspirational spaces in which to deliver their vision.’ Giles Pritchard, Director, Pritchard Architecture
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