Work starts on 'ambitious' 21st century restoration of Ripon's historic Victorian Workhouse Museum
An ambitious £3.3 million redevelopment to transform Ripon’s Victorian Workhouse Museum into a 21st century visitor attraction has taken a major step forward.
Ripon Museum Trust has announced that it has appointed a Yorkshire-based contractor to lead the extensive capital works to conserve and restore the 19th century workhouse buildings – one of the UK’s most complete surviving workhouse.
Dobson Construction Ltd, based in Ilkley, will be at the helm of this transformative project to open up previously unseen rooms, improve accessibility and deliver environmentally sustainable upgrades.
Included will be a new roof, window frames and enhanced insulation to reduce the Trust’s carbon footprint.
Alexa Vernon, Director of Ripon Museum Trust, said: “We are delighted to partner with Dobson Construction Ltd to begin the essential capital and conversation works which mark the first step in bringing this ambitious redevelopment project to life.
"For many years, critical repairs and restoration work have been deferred due to limited resources.
"Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous funders, we plan to conserve and restore the Ripon workhouse’s historic fabric and transform how communities experience and connect with its history.”
The redevelopment of the Ripon Workhouse Museum and Gardens is part of the Inspiration For A Fairer Futures initiative to create a powerful visitor experience and welcome new, diverse audiences to one of the city’s most important heritage buildings.
As well as the generous support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, other funders include the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Headley Trust and the Foyle Foundation.
Alongside conservation and restoration of the buildings, the project will deliver a new visitor journey connecting the experiences of those who lived, worked and endured the workhouse, utilising digital technology and community-led co-productions.
Bryan Atkinson at Dobson Construction Ltd said: “We are delighted to chosen to work with Ripon Museum Trust.
"Dobson’s as a company specialise in heritage works, so we know the degree of sensitivity on projects of this nature.”
Redevelopment work began this week but all three of Ripon’s museums remain open until the end of the November when the season ends.