Kirkcaldy Museum and Gallery

Kirkcaldy Museum

Property Services provided Architectural and Quantity Surveying (in partnership with Building Services) design for the refurbishment of Kirkcaldy’s highly regarded Museum and Library. The venue now offers:

  • a modern library
  • a museum with new displays
  • art gallery
  • a brand-new café
  • shop
  • VisitScotland’s visitor information centre

Areas involved in this major refurbishment included the basement, ground floor, upper floor and roof of the traditional stone faced building dating from 1925 to provide a fully integrated 21st century facility with all of the important architectural features retained.

A new, larger lift takes visitors to the first floor art galleries and a relocated Local Studies and Family History room. The roof has been overhauled with 70% reused and 30% new slate fixed to new sarking boards. The roof overhaul also included the introduction of rigid insulation boards friction fitted between existing timber rafters. Following completion of the roof upgrade, modern environmental controls were installed within the voids – improvements which will allow the museum and galleries to borrow exhibits from other world-class collections and keep their own collections safe and secure.

As with any major project, there were some surprises along the way. When carpet tiles were removed in the café area, this uncovered the original herring bone pattern teak flooring from 1928. With some localised repairs and careful restoration work, it's been possible to bring it back to its original state which looks great on show once more.

New museum displays telling Kirkcaldy’s stories in fresh and exciting ways are being created with the help of local people. Old favourites will still be there and new ones revealed. There will be a dedicated space for all sorts of activities.

The refurbishment project was completed successfully within the client agreed timescale and to the overall budget.

Details

Location: Kirkcaldy

Value: £1.9 million

Start Date: March 2012

End Date: March 2013

Main Contractor: Fife Council Building Services