Architect Partner - Public Space Programme - The National Archives

The National Archives is a non-ministerial government department. As the government's national archive for England, Wales and the United Kingdom, we hold over 1,000 years of the nation's records for everyone to discover and use and are guardians of some of our most iconic national documents. Our strategy Archives for Everyone, sets out how we intend to become the 21st century national archive: the inclusive, entrepreneurial and disruptive archive. In 2021, we restated our belief that archives are for everyone by foregrounding our commitment to Becoming the Inclusive Archive, available to all and enriched by those who work with and for archives of all kinds. As the living, growing and trusted home of our nation's stories, our obligation is to be an archive for everyone, past, present and future.

The purpose of this procurement exercise is to appoint an architectural practice to work with us on our public space programme. Since 2015, we have been examining how to update our 1977 Brutalist building, and attached entrance space from 1995, in order to better serve the public and to provide the best visitor experience. During the past eight years we have developed a new Auditorium, learning spaces embedded within core areas of the building, as well as a brand new Clore Learning Centre designed for broadcast and other digital learning activities. Other projects have involved recapturing of the essence of the original structure (e.g., revealing the original coffered ceilings on the ground floor, taking away later accretions) and installing new seating to make the space more inviting to our visitors. This has all been informed by an overall masterplan.

In addition, since 2022, we have embarked on smaller projects in the public areas, such as improving the entrance area, interpretation (such as a 'Cabinet Table' feature and our '1920s Zone' which coincided with the launch of the 1921 census) as well as proposals to improve the approach to the building and how we present what the National Archives holds more clearly and invitingly to the public within our grounds.

In the coming years we have a running list of these smaller projects which we will continue, as well as ambitions for new Exhibition Galleries and a second phase of the Clore Learning Centre which we wish to realise, funding permitting. This contract will involve supporting us in such projects, small to large, as well as other architectural, spatial design and visitor experience projects as our thinking develops. The contracted practice will drive forward our masterplan with us, work with key stakeholders and support us to create a thriving, welcoming, visitor experience for this key national institution.