Museum of London begins search for 'world-class' architect to design new home
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/57537_994133.jpg)
The Museum of London has officially started its search for an architect to design its proposed new home inside a vacant Victorian market.
Design competition organiser Malcolm Reading Consultants has been appointed to lead the search. A two-stage contest will begin in February 2016. A panel will be selected to create a shortlist and the winning architect will be announced by the end of Q2 2016.
The museum and the City of London Corporation – which has bought the leasehold for the new site in central London’s West Smithfield locality – are aiming to receive planning permission, raise the necessary capital funds and deliver the new museum by 2021.
The new facility will be located within a 25,000sq m (269,000sq ft) market complex comprising several 19th Century buildings, including a general market and a fish market.
“It’s a challenging site with a strong identity and a robust setting,” said competition organiser Malcolm Reading. "The museum’s ambition to create a dynamic cultural destination here is inspirational. This is a project which will intrigue the global design community."
Sharon Ament, director of the Museum of London, pledged to identify “a world-class, outstanding and inspiring architect who will deliver a design which combines stunning modern vision for a new museum with West Smithfield’s sensitive heritage”.
A £200,000 (US$287,500, €263,200) grant from the Mayor of London’s office has been provided to fund the competition. London mayor Boris Johnson said this would enable the museum “to conduct a global search and ultimately create a major cultural destination and a new landmark for the capital," which will continue to tell the story of London and its residents.
The museum first announced plans to relocate in March 2015, with management citing a number of problems at its current site including poor accessibility, an ageing building and a poor location.
Although two other options – improvements to the Powell & Moya-designed building and developing a new building on the existing site – were considered, the Smithfield relocation was deemed most viable by museum bosses.
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/231116_940861.jpg)
![](https://www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/images/SMlogoSmall.jpg)
Swim Teacher
Recreation Assistant (Dry Site)
Party Leader
Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard (NPLQ required)
Activity and Wellbeing Manager
Fitness Consultant Grade 3
Commercial Manager
General Manager
General Manager
Swim Teacher
Customer Service Advisor
Swimming Teacher
Swimming Teacher
Company profile
![Company profile: FIBO Global Fitness Company profile: FIBO Global Fitness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2021/295426_798242.jpg)
Featured Supplier
![Developing tomorrow’s champions: BLK BOX and Cardiff Met’s Archers Performance Centre Developing tomorrow’s champions: BLK BOX and Cardiff Met’s Archers Performance Centre](http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353688_659798_756339.jpg)
Property & Tenders
Company: Jersey War Tunnels
Company: Savills
Company: Cotswold Lakes Trust
Company: Knight Frank
Company: Belvoir Castle