Poole Museum

We're making exciting progress with our building works as we count down towards the reopening of Poole Museum in the Summer, with main contractors, Greendale Construction Limited, handing back the keys to Scaplen’s Court and Garden next month.

Over the last few weeks at Scaplen's, the new steel, double-height bay window and entrance way has been glazed. The steel structure is being clad with oak. With the glazing in place, we enjoyed our new view onto the Quay and across the harbour for the first time - the Upper Hall is now flooded with natural light!

The new window is lower and replaces a failing bay window that was added in 1986. The eaves line of the building is being reinstated, and it’s contemporary but of high design quality and sensitive to the building. The design of the bay was adapted in conversation with consultees during the listed building and planning process.

Images below show (L-R):

•  Scaplen's window being installed with heavy machinery

• Scaplen's window in place  

• The view out of Scaplen's window

One of the finishing touches this month has been the careful relaying of the paving slabs to the courtyard and passageway – these were removed over a year ago to enable the groundworks to take place, each was numbered and stacked safely until they were needed again.

Images below show (L-R):

•  Scaplen's courtyard paving stones stacked up and numbered during the redevelopment 

• Scaplen's courtyard paving stones ready to reinstall back again

• The paving stones being placed back in Scaplen's courtyard

Scaplen’s Court and Garden has two new staircases which have been completed this week. The staircase in the courtyard wraps round the new lift shaft providing access to the mezzanine landing and upper floor – both the lift shaft and staircase are beautifully designed contemporary additions complementing the historic space. The courtyard staircase, fabricated in steel and oak, replaces a wooden staircase dating from the late 1980s. A new staircase to the rear elevation is an important part of our new fire strategy, and it’s of the same attractive design, sitting lightly against the rear of the building providing access from the upper floor into the walled garden. 

Images below show (L-R):

• The external fire access steps being installed

• The courtyard steps being installed around the new lift shaft

• The courtyard steps complete

The new lift in Scaplen’s Court and Garden has been commissioned and we are pleased to report it is a very smooth journey between the floors! The new lift is one of the ways we are improving access so everyone can explore the museum independently and with ease. 

Images below show (L-R):

• The new lift in Scaplen's Court

• The new lift shaft beautifully clad to blend in with the historic surroundings

• The outside of Scaplen's Court lift with the access to the mezzanine landing and upper floor