Planning a new storage solution is ideal as it gives you the scope to install a bespoke system designed specifically to house the collections in your care. Once you have decided that you require new storage there are a number of stages you will need to go through ranging from initial concepts to finally moving in. In the paper entitled “Museum Collections in Industrial Buildings: A selection and adaptation guide” Bill Bordass and May Cassar discuss these stages in detail, but they are briefly summarised below.
Stage one focuses on initial concepts and involves the appointment of a core planning team, responsible for defining the functions of the new store and the amount of space required. Considerations should include location, access, staff, and tenure.
Stage two is based upon building decisions and involves finalising your brief, including the budget you are going to allocate for the project. This stage should include the environmental needs of the collections you wish to store and again finances should be established to adequately cover your requirements. By the completion of this stage you should have specified necessary works and obtained approvals for the project.
Stage three relates to production and focuses on detailed plans and designs. During this stage you should obtain tenders and as a result select the contractors you intend to work with. You can also choose your level of project involvement at this stage though it is always recommended that you continuously monitor progress and standards of work. Building Services Commissioning should also be specified in order to ensure your facility is installed with fully commissionable systems.
Stage four is concerned with occupancy and specifically project completion and handover. It also includes drying-out the building which is commonplace for any newly constructed property.
Stage five concentrates on snagging and any outstanding issues you may need to resolve before moving your collections into the new building.
Stage six relates to the functionability of your new store once in use and should include ongoing monitoring, reviews and feedback.
To view a case study explaining how a bespoke storage system was installed in a specially designed new storage facility click here.
For further information on new stores please see the documents available in our downloads section below:
Working with contractors - Guidelines relating to collection care, environment and security in museums whilst construction work is taking place.
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