Following the completion of a formal tendering exercise, the Steam Trust is delighted to confirm the appointment of Smith and Jones as the preferred design and interpretation consultants for the Gauge Museum Project.

Smith and Jones are a West Country-based consultancy and have extensive experience of working in the heritage and museum sector. They will begin work formally in April 2019 but have already attended the HLF Project Group to agree preliminary activities. Phase 1 of the programme covering design, planning and consultation will take place in 2019, culminating in initial ideas and displays being available in the Museum over the Christmas period. Following feedback analysis and review, final interpretation and completion is scheduled for mid 2020. A key element of the work will also be to complement and link with the educational package being prepared by Helen Anson, our Learning Officer in relation to schools, community groups and other stakeholders.

Steve Williams Trustee and HLF Project Lead said

“We had two excellent proposals to consider and it was a difficult decision. We very much look forward to working with Smith and Jones on this exciting project and we are confident that, when the new design and interpretation is completed, this will represent a step change in experience for visitors to the Gauge Museum as well as enhancing the overall offer from the railway as a whole”.