Work is now underway to transform a former Roman museum into a world-class visitor destination.
Last week (April 28) Leicester City Council revealed the first stage of the ambitious project commenced which will see the former Jewry Wall Museum reimagined into a new state of the art guest experience.
The Museum, which closed to the public in 2017, featured a range of legendary Roman artefacts – including the UKs tallest civilian structures and the impressive remains of a Roman bathhouse, dating back to thousands of years ago.
Collaborating closely with Haley Sharpe Design (HSD), the Council has drawn up new designs of how the revamped experience will look which will utilise space from the former Museum and Vaughan College buildings, bought by the Council in 2015.
The first phase includes the creation of a state-of-the-art walkway, refurbishment of the windows & roof and the construction of new entrance & rear lobby.
This first phase of structural work is costing about £2.9million and is expected to continue until December 2021.
Viewing points have been set up on the cusp of the site so the public can observe the construction work throughout the project.
The latest designs of the visitor centre’s interior showcases the combination of immersive technology with historical items of the city’s spectacular roman collection.
Using interactive storytelling, guests will have the chance to discover what Roman Leicester was like nearly 2000 years ago.
The second phase of the project will include a new reception area, shop, café, gallery and meeting rooms which is slated to be completed by September 2022.
The final stage will include the creation and instillation of the exhibition displays.
The overall project is expected to cost £15.5 million, with support provided by the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Rates Pool Fund.
Peter Soulby, Mayor of Leicester City Council has expressed his to delight to see the building works underway, he comments: “I’m really pleased that work is underway on this exciting project to showcase what is such as major part of Leicester’s Roman history.
Speaking of how the new visitor attraction will be a boost to the city’s economy Soulby continues: “Tourism is a vital part of the city’s economy, bringing in millions of pounds every year, and we are planning for the future by carrying out this work now, so that we can help ensure that visitors return once again to the city when they are able to do so.
“There is no other similar dedicated Roman visitor site within 80 miles of Leicester, and these remains of the Jewry Wall and Roman bathhouse are worthy of being part of a substantial, and up to date, visitor attraction.”
All stages of the project are expected to be completed by 2023.
