Plans have been submitted for a transformational series of capital projects at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Midlands in Cosford.

The designs include a new public realm, new build Collections Hub and the refurbishment of an existing hangar which will house a nationally relevant exhibition and Learning Centre dedicated to the delivery of inspirational lifelong learning programmes.

GSS have been appointed to lead the building designs and support the planning applications which detail how the redevelopment will enhance and improve the long-term resilience and environmental sustainability of the Museum, including moving towards being a Carbon Net Zero organisation.

Hangar 1 is original to the site, built in 1938. The proposed works will retain much of the original character, with necessary fabric repair and thermal improvements making the building more efficient and easier to maintain as well as providing an improved environment for displayed artefacts. The hangar will house a new Learning Centre complemented by landscaped outdoor spaces for exploration and relaxation.

The refurbishment will also pave the way for an innovative and nationally relevant exhibition focusing on the critical role of the RAF since 1980, inviting visitors to discover its mission today and imagine how the service will need to adapt in the future. The exhibition is being designed by AOC Architecture working collaboratively with the Museum team and local community groups.

The new-build Collections Hub includes provision for 4000m2 of space that will enable the Museum to conserve, research, digitise and share the stored national collection with visitors for the first time. A lobby will enable visitors to view unique objects and the building, facilitating collections tours and activities.

Tom Jagger, Partner at GSS, said, “We are very excited to be part of this fantastic project and to be working with the RAF Museum. Through the transformation of their spaces, the Museum will work with audiences to share RAF stories and allow the collections to be better understood and cared for. We are looking forward to seeing this project progress and the benefits it will provide for the local community”.

Karen Whitting, Director of Content and Programmes at the RAF Museum said, “We are grateful to our funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England for supporting this diverse Programme which will deliver long-term benefits for the Museum and our visitors. We have been ably supported by GSSArchitecture and the wider professional team working through cocreation and consultation with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the changes meet their needs both now and for future generations”.

We have been appointed to carry out architectural and multi-disciplinary design services and are working closely with the Royal Air Force Museum, Project Managers – Focus, and Quantity Surveyors, Greenwoods, together with supply chain design partners SWJ Consultants (Structural Engineers), CPW (M&E Consultants) and LDA Design (Landscape Design).