Oxford University Ashmolean Museum Redevelopment

Established in 1683 and moved into its current Greek revival building in 1845, the Ashmolean in Oxford is the oldest public museum in the world and home to a priceless collection of art and archaeological antiquities. In 2004, a project was conceived to meet an urgent requirement for more display space, greater accessibility and improved environmental conditions for the collections. Challenges were legion, from the restrictions involved in extending and adapting the existing Grade I listed building to the logistics of constructing on a tightly confined site in Oxford's historic city centre, within a strictly controlled planning environment. Appointed in a project management role, Mace was responsible for delivering all phases of the project, from inception to completion.

Armed with a sympathetic design by Rick Mather Architects that achieves a seamless link between the classical and modern, the scheme involved partial demolition of the Cockerill-designed building and construction of a new six-storey extension at the rear. Mace planned and managed the decant of 50,000 artefacts and the demolition as well as construction of the new building and the final fit out that included installation of 400 custom-made display cases. While the public face of the museum remains unchanged, the extension, hidden behind the existing facades, is celebrated as an exhibit in its own right and has won several design and architectural awards since it reopened to the public in late 2009.