British Museum in search of consultants for £46m framework

Cultural heritage specialist Mortice Consulting is supporting the framework’s procurement.

Russell Torrance, director of estates and capital projects at the British Museum, said: “The British Museum is in the process of delivering one of the largest and most complex cultural renovations anywhere in the world, decarbonising its operations and transforming the experience of the buildings and surrounding public realm for visitors, staff and collaborators alike.

“While the recent focus has been on largescale competitions, we also require a framework of approved supply chain partners that will take on the critical ongoing work of asset renewal and replacement, building conservation and modernisation across our estate. I encourage entries from all consultants interested in contributing to the culture of project management and design excellence we’re developing here at the museum.”

Deadline for tender submissions is 24 March 2025.

The framework will support the British Museum’s strategic long-term masterplan projects, such as a new energy centre programme to reduce the museum's carbon footprint and the redevelopment of the Western Range Galleries.

Infrastructure consultancy Aecom has been appointed as technical adviser for the visitor welcome programme, one of the masterplan’s projects to improve the visitor entrance experience.

The programme includes new pavilions with flexible function spaces and sustainability features.

Aecom will deliver comprehensive technical advisory services to the project team, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, public health, security, fire engineering, building information modelling (BIM) and sustainability.

The project is expected to be completed in March 2026.

David Brown, structural engineer and technical director at Aecom, said: “Building on our experience with complex cultural projects like the Serpentine Pavilion and Elizabeth Tower, we’re delivering innovative technical solutions that balance creativity with functional excellence.

"By embracing sustainable design and modern methods of construction, we’re committed to preserving the museum's historic significance while shaping a world-class visitor experience.”