Northern Ireland-based construction firm GRAHAM has secured a contract from The British Museum.

The contractor has signed on to deliver a new research and storage facility at the University of Reading in Shinfield.

The new 16,000m2 new-build facility will house ancient artefacts from the Museum's Archaeological Research Collection, including ancient sculptures, mosaics, archaeological assemblages and historic cast collections. Many of the objects will be moved from the museum's current storage site at Blythe House in London, which is due to close in 2023, preserving the collection for generations to come.

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Along with precious artefacts, the development will provide study spaces for academics, researchers, students and members of the public who can access the collection by appointment. It will also feature a dedicated loans hub for the Museum to lend objects from the collection across the UK and internationally. 

The new research and storage facility will adjoin the University's new Thames Valley Science Park, which was completed by GRAHAM last year.

(CM/JG)