Sea City Museum: more progress with building contractor chosen

8 July 2010

Southampton’s Sea City Museum has moved a step closer, with Southampton City Council choosing a preferred contractor to build the development.

Following an extensive procurement process, Kier Southern, part of Kier Group, has been chosen as the preferred contractor to build the new £15 million museum, placed in the city’s Grade II* listed Magistrates’ Courts, which will showcase the city’s heritage. Kier will now sign a pre-contractual agreement. The final appointment will follow Cabinet approval in August.

Since March 2009 the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded the council a total of £4.9 million towards the museum.

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “The appointment of Kier brings us one step closer to the realisation of the Sea City Museum that will showcase Southampton’s amazing maritime heritage, with exhibitions focussing on Southampton’s Titanic story and the city’s role as a gateway to the world.

“It feels like we are really moving forward with this project, now that Kier will be preparing to start work on the museum. This fabulous museum will draw thousands of visitors to Southampton every year and will create many more jobs for the local economy.”

Kier Southern is based in Southampton and is part of Kier Group a well-renowned world-wide leading construction, development and service group. They are currently working on other major local developments, such as the new Southampton Police Operational Command Unit, the Ordnance Survey Head Quarters, Harefield School and the Eastpoint Conference and Community Centre.

Councillor Royston Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “I am very pleased we have appointed Kier Southern, who have an extensive experience in working with public sector clients and are already doing an excellent job with other new developments in Southampton.

“The Sea City Museum will be a great asset to the Cultural Quarter, which will bring together arts, culture and heritage. The square sees its initial completion within the next few months, when work on Guildhall Square, connecting all cultural buildings, is set to be finished.”

Kier Southern will over the next few months look at tendering all packages of work needed before signing the final contract and starting work onsite in October 2010.

Shane Mason from Kier Southern, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to deliver such a prestigious project for the city. Southampton has such a wealth of maritime heritage; I know the public will be pleased with what they see once the work is complete and will enjoy the museum and its wonderful exhibitions for many years to come.”

Image shows: Staff from Southampton City Council and Kier
Image copyright: Southampton City Council and Kier

For more information from Southampton City Council Press Office:

Tel: 023 8083 2000