Lowestoft Town Hall Project - Heritage Interpretation Specialist(s)

Lowestoft Town Council seeks interpretation consultant(s) to design and oversee the implementation of a compelling, interactive heritage experience package for the Grade II listed Lowestoft Town Hall, through development and delivery phases (pending funding).

This project is a Lowestoft Town Council initiative supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England, Towns Fund and East Suffolk Council.

The project will transform the Town Hall into a multifunctioning building that will be in the heart of historic Lowestoft and the Harbour Ward, bringing significant footfall to this deprived area. The building will include a heritage hub, with adjacent gallery, alongside a café and events space.

Lowestoft Town Council seeks to appoint consultants to research, design, and oversee the implementation of a compelling and interactive heritage experience package. This will be required to interpret the town's history in a vibrant, interactive, inclusive, engaging and innovative way. The heritage interpretation package will: • set the scene for a non-traditional approach to 'exhibition' design • be fully accessible and inclusive • employ a strong graphic design • incorporate local people's stories • engage target audiences: it must entertain as well as inform • include content that goes beyond traditional interpretation • include heritage interpretation that engages all ages and abilities • offer a range of 'rewards' to visitors, including play, learning, social interaction and reminiscence.

Scope of works & timings: To develop the outline interpretation proposals into a fully costed Interpretation Plan. This will be in three parts, the first two to be completed by late Spring 2023. Parts 1 and 2 will focus on the development of the interpretation plan, along with costed designs. Part 3 is dependent on securing stage 2 NLHF funding, and is expected to run from early 2024 to mid 2025.

Our maximum budget for Parts 1 & 2 is £47,500 excl VAT to include all expenses; we also seek detailed fee proposals for Part 3, based on an estimated capital cost for manufacture in the region of £375,000.

Key outputs are: 1. A detailed and costed Interpretation Plan which identifies and describes the themes and stories that the Town Hall will interpret in order to meet its objectives and achieve outcomes set out within our stage 1 application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 2. A scheme proposal to RIBA 3, with associated costs for public display/exhibition spaces, artefacts and materials within the proposed redeveloped building. 3. Detailed designs for manufacture of components, alongside a specification to support the tender for the same. 4. A completed installation at the end of Stage 2 of the project.

For further information, and to apply, please contact Lowestoft Town Council for the tender package.