We have been appointed to lead the building designs and support the planning applications for the 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.

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.

GSS have been appointed to carry out architectural and multi-disciplinary design services and is 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).