British Museum tenders Reading Room roof repairs
Summary
The British Museum is tendering a £9m roof repair and conservation package for the Grade I-listed Round Reading Room in London. The scheme combines heritage-led repairs with roofing, glazing, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and is planned to be delivered while the wider museum remains open where possible.
Why it matters
The project highlights the complexity of working on occupied, listed buildings where conservation, access, temporary works and hazardous materials management must be coordinated. Surveyors involved in heritage, defect diagnosis, specification or contract administration will note the use of a JCT Standard Building Contract 2024 and the emphasis on experience with protected and occupied public buildings.
Key points
- £9m contract to repair and replace parts of the Reading Room roof and associated elements
- Works include conservation-led repairs to the dome, lantern replacement, glazing, M&E and access upgrades
- Asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints have been identified in the lantern and historic ironwork
- The museum intends to keep the wider site open, with temporary closures and exclusion zones as needed
- Procurement is via single-stage traditional tender under JCT Standard Building Contract 2024
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