Ongoing feasibility and concept study for the renovation of a century old drapers store to house an expanded and relocated Walsall Leather Museum
The Hill Harvey-Wood and Cultural Associates Oxford team are building on strategies established in two previous studies for Walsall Council, bringing them to bear on a prominent town-centre site. No’s 1-3 The Bridge sit between Park Street (Walsall’s main pedestrian shopping street) and the Leather Skills Centre, making a direct connection to two important aspects of Walsall’s heritage; it’s proud history both as a market town and a centre of excellence for leather making. The building was originally a textile store with a large frontage wrapping around the corner. When first built it had expansive full height windows to the ground and first floor to showcase its wares.
The building has undergone many changes over the years, and there is an opportunity to peel back these layers and re-establish the building as a landmark.
Each floor plate of the steel frame and brick building has an open plan layout which provides scope for a diverse range of spaces for display, learning, making, gathering and socialising.
Through a meanwhile use project, the museum will go on tour throughout the borough; a chance to involve as many residents as possible in the future of the museum.
External Links
Walsall Leather Museum