The Establishment Plymouth, a reference to the city's renowned location, The Box.
The city of Plymouth has undergone a significant transformation with the opening of The Box, a multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space that has become a cultural asset for the region.
Constructed from three historic buildings through a major £40m+ project, The Box features a striking facade of 149 panes of glass, 340 sq. m. of locally quarried Plymouth limestone, and is clad in four finishes of panel - white, grey, black, and mirrored stainless steel.
The interior fit-out of this cultural hub was entrusted to Wignall's, a Devon-based joinery company. Wignall's team of specialists in manufacturing, installation, estimating, and service ensured the quality and service of the project. They crafted a variety of interior joinery for The Box, including the 'wonder wall' in the learning area, cabinetry, washrooms, and bespoke mobile storage solutions.
The Box now covers an area of nearly 8,000m2, more than three times the size of the original museum. Visitors are greeted by a dramatic suspended 'flotilla' of fourteen newly restored monumental ships' figureheads on loan from the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
The ground-breaking design has transformed, extended, and combined Plymouth's former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library, and St Luke's Church. The Box houses 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive, a new glass atrium, learning and research facilities, and a brand new public square.
One of the unique challenges faced during the project was working with three grade 11 listed buildings. Caroline Cozens, a key figure in the project, mentioned that finding unexploded ordnance during demolition and maintaining structural support during renovations were among the difficulties encountered.
Constructing the museum's new basement was also problematic due to the ground conditions, requiring considerable underpinning and reinforcement.
The Box's elevated 'archive in the sky' is believed to be Europe's largest bi-directional cantilever, making a bold statement about Plymouth's prioritization of its cultural heritage. The central location of the 900m2 'archive in the sky' houses a dedicated research room which features highlights from The Box's historically significant Cottonian Collection.
The Box is the largest new multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space in the UK, offering an opportunity to attract visitors once normal activities resume. Many visitors to The Box have expressed admiration for the quality of the museum, expressing pride in the council's investment in culture.
Wignall's, accredited as a Certified Fire Door processor, was able to cater to all joinery needs with their experienced Devon team and roll out their services nationally. Their product portfolio includes offerings for Construction, Healthcare, Education, and Hospitality, providing solutions for everything from bespoke reception counters to washroom cubicles and IPS.
The Box is positioned as a significant cultural asset for Plymouth, providing a hub for arts, culture, and heritage that will continue to draw visitors and enrich the city for years to come. For more information about Wignall's, visit their website at www.wignalls.co.uk.
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