Architects appointed to transform the visitor experience at Hartlepool waterfront attractions

Hartlepool Borough Council has appointed LDN Architects to develop plans to reimagine and redevelop the visitor experience of the Museum of Hartlepool and paddle steamer Wingfield Castle.

The award-winning Edinburgh-based company – which was selected following a two-stage competitive process – has a strong track record of delivering complex heritage and cultural projects, creating flexible, educational, accessible, enjoyable and financially-sustainable facilities.

The many projects with which the company has been involved include the Scapa Flow Museum, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Hatton Gallery, Liverpool Museum, Birmingham Hippodrome and the Gairloch Museum.

Over the next two years, LDN Architects will develop detailed plans to transform the visitor offer at the Museum and the Wingfield Castle and will then support the Council in applying for Heritage Lottery funding for the capital works.

The aim is to create an exciting cultural destination for visitors and local residents alike, telling the story of Hartlepool in a fresh, exciting and engaging new way which is accessible to everyone and is also a fun, stimulating experience for those with young families.

It will complement the visitor offer at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and the wider waterfront regeneration, where construction work has begun on the new multi-million pound Highlight leisure development.

Emergency repairs have been carried out on the Wingfield Castle as a prelude to its full restoration as a visitor attraction. 

(Left to right) Councillor Bob Buchan and Hartlepool Borough Council’s Museum and Gallery Manager Georgina Ascroft, pictured with LDN Architects Partner Dermot Patterson and Associate Partner Matt MacKinnon in the Museum of Hartlepool

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “LDN Architects have an impressive portfolio of transformational cultural and heritage projects and we were delighted to appoint them.

“We look forward to working with them to shape the future of these two cultural landmarks, creating attractions which celebrate Hartlepool’s history, enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike and build Hartlepool’s position as a destination of cultural significance.” 

Dermot Patterson, LDN Architects Partner, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Council and all the museum’s stakeholders on this important project.

“It will showcase Hartlepool’s fascinating story by re-presenting the museum’s diverse collections for all its visitors in an evocative renovation of the building and will re-establish stronger connections to the museum’s historic maritime setting.”