Access and public use

Direct crane access from outside will not be available for the Round Reading Room project, according to Construction News. The work must take place beneath the Great Court roof, designed by Foster+Partners, which encloses the area where the contractor will operate.

The British Museum wants staff and visitors to retain access to the Reading Room for as much of the construction programme as possible. The wider museum will stay open during the works, although temporary closures and exclusion zones may be needed around the roofing work area.

The Reading Room is Grade I-listed. Designed by Sydney Smirke and completed in 1857, it contains historic glazing and metalwork that form part of the repair and conservation programme. Bidders must demonstrate experience of working on Grade I or Grade II*-listed structures, as well as occupied public buildings.

The client has identified asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints in the lantern and historic ironwork. Its tender notice requires the contractor to develop safe removal methods that also protect the interior of the building and the museum's collections.

Roof repairs and glazing replacement

The copper covering to the dome is to receive conservation-led repairs rather than wholesale replacement. The specified work includes replacing individual panels where needed and repairing seams and flashings.

A different approach is planned for the Snow Gallery flat roof. The existing roof build-up will be stripped out and replaced with a warm-roof system. A liquid waterproofing membrane, applied cold, forms part of that specification.

The 20-sided glazed lantern is to be replaced. The museum has specified a bespoke steel glazing-bar system arranged in tiers. The historic internal laylight, by contrast, will be conserved in place.

Work to the windows includes repairs and redecoration of both the external windows and the internal sliding sashes. New actuators connected to the building management system are also included in the scope.

Building services and procurement

The appointed principal contractor will have responsibility for temporary works, scaffolding, patent glazing and access systems. Mechanical and electrical elements also sit within the contractor's remit, bringing the envelope repairs and building services work into the same contract.

The services package includes replacement heating and LED lighting, together with building management system integration. Permanent access for maintenance and fall-protection systems are to be upgraded as part of the project.

The museum intends to use a single-stage traditional tender and the JCT Standard Building Contract 2024. The contract valuation rises to £10.8m when VAT is included.

A contractor appointment is expected in November. The museum's target for practical completion is the first quarter of 2028.