Tuesday 23 June 2015

Contractor J Tomlinson completes multi-million pound redevelopment of Coventry Transport Museum

Construction company J Tomlinson has completed work on a £9.5 million redevelopment of Coventry Transport Museum and Old Grammar School. 
The museum, which houses hundreds of unique exhibits including the world’s fastest cars ThrustSSC and Thrust2, has been completely transformed following a 15-month redevelopment programme. 
Nottingham-based J Tomlinson’s role included £4 million of the work, which involved building two new extensions, structural and internal alterations, as well as external modifications. 
Twelve of the museum’s 14 galleries have been completely transformed, including the creation of a stunning all-new permanent World Land Speed Record Exhibition for ThrustSSC and Thrust2. 
The project has also involved the redevelopment of the museum’s neighbouring Grade 1 listed, 12th Century Old Grammar School, which has been brought back into public use as an exhibition, education and events space. 
Martin Gallagher, Construction Managing Director at J Tomlinson, said: “Coventry Transport Museum holds the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world, and J Tomlinson is proud to have been involved in this redevelopment scheme which has created a new home for them, and for the hundreds of other exhibits on display. 
“This is a world-class museum that showcases Coventry’s rich transport heritage. The adjacent Grade 1 listed, 12th Century Grammar School is also a very special building, and we are very pleased to have given this a new lease of life as it opens the next chapter in its long and illustrious history. 
“J Tomlinson has completed the project on time and on budget, and we are delighted that the museum is now fully open again for the public to enjoy.” 
Coventry Transport Museum fully re-opened on Saturday 20th June with a special event involving supercar stuntman Terry Grant, who is famous for holding over 20 stunt-related World Records, and petrolhead duo and presenters Harry Metcalfe and Amanda Stretton who showcased a Trailblazing Cars of the World tribute; including a Ferrari F40, Porsche 911, Jaguar C-type, original Range Rover and many more. 
Culture Coventry chief executive Gary Hall said: “Re-launching the museum is the culmination of seven years of hard work by the team. It marks yet another landmark for Coventry’s transport heritage, but also preserves its rich history. The museum provides a haven for visitors to immerse themselves in the past, present and future of Coventry’s transport legacy - capturing the imagination of visitors of all ages.  We are extremely grateful to the European Regional Development Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and all of the other organisations who have supported this project throughout.” 
J Tomlinson, which is based in Lilac Grove, Beeston, near Nottingham, and operates mainly throughout the East and West Midlands, provides a range of services including construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical engineering, energy efficiency, fit out and facilities management. 

Coventry Transport Museum’s redevelopment project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield Weston, as well as Biffa Award and WREN via the Landfill Communities Fund, and Arts Council England.

For more information visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk
Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk