Multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, Edmond Shipway, has recently completed its role as project and cost manager on a £15.7 million programme of works to create a landmark visitor centre and help realise the National Memorial Arboretum’s vision for Remembrance.
The comprehensive scheme included the construction of an iconic new Remembrance Centre designed by Glenn Howells Architects, which houses an interactive Remembrance exhibition as well as an array of engaging, high quality activities. Visitors will experience an immersive film experience inside ‘The Drum’ and are now able to record their own stories to a new archive thanks to a unique memory booth.
The Arboretum’s 330 memorials were already attracting in excess of 300,000 visitors every year and this figure is set to increase dramatically, with the site now also playing host to the beautifully landscaped Heroes’ Square, a large restaurant, retail space, and coffee shop. Meanwhile, enhanced learning facilities mean the number of school visitors is expected to go from 15,000 to 25,000 a year.
The scheme was made possible thanks to a host of donations, including a £2.85 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
David Stevenson, Managing Director of Edmond Shipway said of the project; “It is an honour to have been part of the team which contributed to a complete reimagining of the National Memorial Arboretum. The Arboretum is such a special place for so many people and we are delighted to see this world-class centre opening its doors to the public – the culmination of several years of hard work.”
Edmond Shipway have been appointed on numerous milestone heritage projects such as the listed Ulster Museum building, the relocation of Manchester city centre’s cenotaph and the restoration of HMS Belfast, the UK’s only surviving World War II Battleship.
