Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber 2025 - Highly Commended - Delivering Value
Hull Maritime Museum
Simpson completed the restoration and reordering of the Grade II Listed Hull Maritime Museum and creation of a new collections store within the 3-storey Dock Office. The project is part of the wider Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City Master Redevelopment Plan, funded by Hull City Council and The Heritage Lottery fund.
The project has seen the creation of a central glass atrium which is open for all visitors, along with access to one of the cupola’s which showcases the panoramic rooftop views across the city.
As part of the project, new mechanical and electrical services were installed. To protect the historic fabric of the building, including its limestone walls and vaulted ceilings, the new services were installed within the duct runs in the floor.
Significant roofing repair and replacement was required. Scaffolding was installed to all 3 elevations and inspections of stonework were conducted. All elevations were DOFF cleaned and defective stonework repaired and replaced. While external repairs progressed, further scaffold was erected to the 3 cupolas and scaffold truss beams spanned the full roof area to provide a watertight cover. The lead was removed from each cupola and defective timber fully repaired or replaced, before installing the repurposed lead.
Recognising the museum’s cultural significance to the people of Hull, we embedded social value into the construction process. This included creating apprenticeships, offering work placements, hosting site visits, employing local labour, and making charitable donations.
Recommended Projects
Sainsbury's
Our relationship with Sainsbury’s began in 2016, following their acquisition of Argos. Having worked with Argos since 1993, we were able to proactively share our knowledge and experience of the Argos estate with Sainsbury’s and their other main contractors. This collaboration strengthened our partnership, and we are now proud to be recognised as one of their Platinum suppliers, successfully delivering projects across their multiple workstreams.
Our current role focuses on supporting the development of Sainsbury’s national property portfolio and helping to enhance their multi-brand vision through new store fit-outs, refurbishments and an ongoing programme of initiative-led roll-out works.
Key initiatives we’ve been involved in include:
- Store-in-Store rollouts.
- Local Fulfilment Centres
- Refrigeration Refurbishment Schemes
- Carbon neutral initiatives
- Brand standard upgrades
In 2025 we delivered Sainsbury's Witney, a new concept store. This involved a full remodel of the existing superstore, including external façade and roof repairs, and the creation of additional space to accommodate Argos, Starbucks and Timpsons. Refrigeration and mechanical plant systems were replaced, with new cold rooms installed to support Sainsbury’s drive towards net zero. The Works were carefully phased to minimise disruption, with the store only closing for the final two weeks to allow for fridge and freezer replacements and restocking ahead of store launch.
Since Witney, we have also completed their newest flagship superstore at Wynyard, Billingham. The impressive 48,330 sq. ft. store has been built to Sainsbury’s latest “MBS” specification, setting a new benchmark for quality and sustainability. featuring latest design, energy-efficient standards, and advanced operational features, this store represents the very best of Sainsbury’s retail experience.
Bradford Arts Centre
Formally known as ‘Kala Sangam’, Simpson completed the redevelopment of the newly named ‘Bradford Arts Centre’.
The 75 week program has seen an extensive reconfiguration and upgrade to the existing building facilities creating a state-of-the-art, space for artists, audiences and businesses, reconnecting the building and arts centre to the local community.
The project has seen the creation of a new theatre, five dance studios, a new central staircase and a permanent home for volunteer-led community radio station Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB).
The introduction of a new entrance, two new lifts and a dedicated changing place facility now ensures the building is fully accessible for the first time in its 140-year history.
Endsleigh Convent
Built in the late 1800s, Endsleigh Convent in Filey served as a convent and holiday retreat for the Sisters of Mercy of the Middlesbrough Diocese.
The goal was to sensitively redevelop the historic structure into five high-end residential apartments, preserving its architectural character while introducing modern functionality and comfort. The project aimed to honour the building’s heritage while adapting it for contemporary coastal living.
The development has seen
- Internal remodelling carried out across all floors to create 5 spacious, open-plan apartments.
- Extensive structural works to support the new layouts and to accommodate a platform lift serving all levels.
- The former chapel underwent a thoughtful extension, transforming it into a unique residence with “upside-down” living:
The redevelopment of Endsleigh Convent successfully blends heritage preservation with modern design, creating a collection of distinctive homes that respect the building’s past while embracing its future. The project stands as a model for adaptive reuse in a sensitive coastal setting.
Let's Build
Tomorrow, Today!
