Paisley Museum Re-Imagined Project – Exhibition Fit-out Contract

The contract is for a contractor to undertake the Exhibition Fit-out Works following the extension, renovation and refurbishment (Main Works Contract) of the Grade A listed Paisley Museum. The Exhibition Fit-Out Contract includes the fabrication and installation of all exhibition displays which include flexible display systems, bespoke display cases graphics and complex mounts with some contractor design items.

The flexible display system has been driven by our story display design approach. Story displays are flexible discrete displays that can be changed, updated and replaced, that allows the Museum to update and refresh its displays over time, rather than relying solely upon temporary exhibitions to drive repeat visitors. Story displays can be configured to deliver to a different audience, with a different interpretive method, have objects swapped out, another story told about the same object (or key object) or the whole story swapped out for a totally new display. Visitors welcome a combination of new and familiar experiences in Museums and by providing enhanced access to the collections by rotating displays we will be providing more opportunities to reveal our objects.

Our Exhibition Design Team, led by Opera Amsterdam have recently completed RIBA Stage 4 technical design.

Software design, provision of AV/hardware and mount-making are separate direct works contracts and will be procured in 2021/22.

The aim of Paisley Museum Re-Imagined is to provide a visitor experience of international quality, which tells the inspirational stories of Paisley, its heritage and its pattern. The transformation of the Paisley Museum is underpinned by a series of high-level strategic project aims that will turn it into a:

• Leading European museum – telling the story of Paisley as a pattern and a town.
• Visitor destination drawing its audience from Scotland, UK and overseas.
• Platforming institution for learning, skills development, innovation and research.
• Community resource at the heart of Paisley’s local life.

The Paisley Heritage Asset Strategy (The Untold Story) was approved by Renfrewshire Council in 2014 and set out an ambitious vision for the social and economic regeneration of Paisley. The signature project is the redevelopment of Paisley Museum and it is intended to create a visitor destination of international standing. The Museum has significant potential to drive the economic and cultural vitality of the town.

The project has been awarded a second round pass from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2019. Additional information: The stages of this CPN are an Invitation to Participate (Stage 1); Invitation to Tender (Initial Stage 2); Negotiation - if deemed necessary, the council reserve the right to negotiate on the statement of requirements for this contract based on Tender Submission for Initial Stage 2 ( Negotiation Stage 3); Invitation to Tender (Final Stage 4)