The museum’s brief was to assist in communicating why this significant intervention was acceptable given its historical derivation and justified readdressing of its park land setting.

The project, designed by Eric Parry Architects, provides a substantial extension as well as internal alterations to the Grade I listed museum.

It was a controversial project which had suffered considerable opposition. The consultancy contributed to the advocacy of the proposals in relation to the city context of Bath, the World Heritage Site, the Grade I listed museum building itself and the re-establishment of its relationship to the former Sydney Pleasure Gardens. The consultancy presented the historical research and documentation required to justify the proposals.

This strategy, presented to Historic England, the Georgian Group, Bath Design Panel and Bath’s Conservation Officers, in parallel with minor design changes on which the consultancy also advised, led to planning and listed building consent being eventually granted. The building has been completed and has won many awards.