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.
Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber 2025 - Highly Commended - Delivering Value
Recommended Projects
Salford Cathedral
Back in 2022, Simpson was appointed as the main contractor to deliver the conservation and reordering works at Salford Cathedral, a landmark project that has carefully restored and enhanced this important building.
Externally, the programme comprised the complete removal andreplacement of the cathedral’s roof, extensive masonry conservation repairs,and specialist restoration works to the spire, undertaken with the assistanceof a steeplejack. The stonework was carefully cleaned using Thermotechtechnology and fully repointed, while the historic stained-glass windows wereexpertly restored.
Internally, the project included the installation of a newfloor incorporating underfloor heating, together with the demolition of theexisting toilet and confessional block and the construction of new toiletfacilities and confessional rooms. A new mechanical, electrical and lightingsystem was also introduced. High-quality finishes and decorative works werecompleted throughout, including specialist ceiling painting with intricatestencilling, fine joinery, detailed metalwork and the introduction of a strikingnew altar and font.
The cathedral finally reopened its doors in July and hasbeen well received by the Diocese and the wider community. We are immenselyproud to have contributed to the preservation and revitalisation of such asignificant heritage asset, helping safeguard its legacy for futuregenerations.
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.
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