Leisure, Healthcare & Communal Buildings

Southampton’s Sea City Museum has moved a step closer, with Southampton City Council choosing a preferred contractor to build the development.

Following an extensive procurement process, Kier Southern, part of Kier Group, has been chosen as the preferred contractor to build the £15 million museum, which will showcase the city’s heritage and will be located in the Grade II listed Magistrates’ Courts.

Kier will now sign a pre-contractual agreement and the final appointment will follow Cabinet approval in August. Work is expected to begin onsite in October 2010.
Since March 2009 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the council a total of £4.9 million towards the museum.

Councillor John Hannides, cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “The appointment of Kier brings us one step closer to the realisation of the Sea City Museum that will showcase Southampton’s amazing maritime heritage, with exhibitions focusing on Southampton’s Titanic story and the city’s role as a gateway to the world.

“It feels like we are really moving forward with this project, now that Kier will be preparing to start work on the museum. This fabulous museum will draw thousands of visitors to Southampton every year and will create many more jobs for the local economy.”