The Amelia Scott

Tunbridge Wells Learning and Cultural Hub

Client
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Contractor
Value
£14m
Completion Date
April 2022

The Challenge

Regenerating a grade II listed building as Tunbridge Wells’ cultural and learning hub. The refurbishments caused complications due to the variety of the materials and construction methods used.

The works carried out were during the Covid-19 pandemic and included the demolition and removal of existing adult education outbuildings and the partial demolition of the existing library.

The budget and cost plan alignment was also a constant challenge, and the town centre location demanded considered planning of materials and plant.

The Solution

Multi-stakeholder engagement demanded communication clarity. The Willmott Dixon team introduced a stakeholder engagement and communication plan to provide clear communications, track and reocrd key decisions needed.

Having a constant pro-active approach to reporting allowed design and specification decisions to be considered early, allowing the team to plan ahead and report against key milestone events.

The Willmott Dixon team also had to flexible in order to adapt to the ever evolving CLC working restrictions.

The Results

The Amelia Scott has been redeveloped as a major new cultural centre in Tunbridge Wells.

The centre is home to several attractions including a museum, art gallery, library, archives, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Gateway, Kent County Council’s register office, the Tourist Information Centre and Kent Adult Education centre. It showcases rare paintings and artefacts, including a Gainsborough, as well as 10,000 books and 60,000 historical objects, twice as many that could be displayed in its forerunner.

There is also a new ground floor pottery studio, as well as textile and silversmithing facilities and a digital suite for the creation of short films, videos and other digital art.

Apprentices

87.2%

Achieved Local SME

Added Value

9/10

Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Fair

99% of regular payments were made within the required period and did not exceed 30 days

Sustainability

Created learning opportunities leading to sustainable employment

Safe

Zero harm achieved

Legacy

Created distinctiveness of Tunbridge Well’s local economy

Aftercare

Applied aftercare and soft landing principles

SCF Framework Manager

James Wright

Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk

Phone: 07761 330560

Contractor Framework Manager

Guy Dawes

Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk

Phone: 07989179444