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Revitalising the Museum of the Gorge Visitor Centre

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we took part in an exciting competition to redesign the Visitors Centre at the Museum of the Gorge in Ironbridge. Our concept aimed to breathe new life into the building while solving a key issue: converting foot traffic from the adjacent car park into museum visitors. Despite Ironbridge’s rich history and tourist appeal, the inside of this Visitors Centre was often overlooked.

Our design was built around several important goals:

  1. Flood Safety: We wanted to ensure the building was resilient against flooding, an ongoing concern for its riverside location.
  2. Community Focus: Creating a space that engages not only visitors but also the local community.
  3. Enhanced Accessibility: We proposed a new entrance that better connects the footpath with the riverside, drawing attention to the building’s purpose and inviting people in.
  4. Inclusive space: Engaging with all who visit Ironbridge no matter their age or ability.

One of the most unique elements in our design was a hand-sketched map of the area, etched into a modern glass entrance wall. This feature would help highlight the building’s function and promote the surrounding museums, creating an informative and welcoming experience.

Our design aimed to add a contemporary touch to the historic building, enhancing its charm without overshadowing it. Though it’s disappointing that none of the entries from this competition have moved forward, we still believe in the potential of this project and hope to see it realised in the future.

Interested in learning more about our vision for transforming heritage sites? Contact us today to see how we can bring your next project to life.

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32 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews
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Many thanks to Johnson Design for delivering exactly what we wanted: A bright, flexible, modern space which brings the garden and the lovely views of the upper Corvedale into our home, without losing anything of the character and warmth of our historic stone farmhouse. The family home of nearly 30 years has been greatly enhanced, giving a perfect blend of old and new, and the perfect venue for entertaining and family get-togethers. The extension was the proud focus for our wedding celebration and garden party for more than 100 guests over the Bank Holiday weekend, and bought in more admiring comments than we could count!

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Mr and Mrs Coad - Much Wenlock
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From start to finish these guys were fantastic. I highly recommend this outfit I had them plan my renovation & they did such a good job I’m having them back to do another 2 properties that need pretty much the same work. Always at the end of the phone willing to offer any advice Matt Spinks has been a dynamite Tip top company !

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Mr Daye
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Dealing with Johnson Design is very easy, the team are fantastic and really know how to bring projects to life. I’ve dealt with Matt on many projects, his knowledge and understanding is incredible. I highly recommend Johnson Design.

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Steve Wood
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We engaged Johnson Design 4 years ago at the start of a big renovation and new build project. Matt Spinks has always taken our ideas or vague notions of an idea and turned them into something innovative which is both attractive and practical. We were delighted with the final plans which went straight through planning permission, even though part of the project was a Grade 2 listed renovation. As a project manager Matt has also been first rate and thoroughly supportive. We would not hesitate to recommend Johnson Design.

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Lynda Hall
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“We have just finished an extension to our kitchen and dealt with Matt at JDP from the beginning to the end of the project. He was very professional throughout and I would recommend anyone to use JDP for their build project.”

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Richard Hilton
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We have used Johnson Design several times and have always found them so helpful, efficient and professional. We are presently using them for a complex multi-building design and Vic has brought such vision and interest to our options. Our views are always taken seriously (something a previous architect we had dealt with didn’t do) making you feel very involved in all designs and decisions.
We would highly recommend this company regardless of how big or small your design is.

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Alison York
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We looked at a couple of different Architect Practices whilst deciding on which to use for our house renovation, and immediately warmed to the team at Johnson Design Partnership Ltd. They were smart, professional, and following a visit to the property issued us with a comprehensive plan… We were both very impressed at the understanding and the detail that had gone in to finding out exactly what we wanted… Johnson Design Partnership handled the tender process with the Building contractors and again we were very happy with the choice that we made…. There was nothing left to chance and the whole team were a pleasure to work with… We really are very pleased with how the house was transformed throughout the five months that the builders were deconstructing it and then reconstructing it, and the end results are amazing, we love our home, and would and have recommended Johnson Design Partnership to friends and family alike

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Faye Lee, Telford
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We had plans done ready to go in case we got funding for my Gp surgery extension/ refurb from NHSE. This came very last minute with stipulations to use it before the end of the financial year. Johnson Design got all the necessary people in place and finalised quotes and palms in a very short timeframe and ensured that all conformed to NHS standards so that all went very smoothly. This involved ensuring that we could work at the site in portacabins.

The patients love our new building and the work thankfully enabled us to function very successfully through Covid.

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Dr Pickavance at Newbridge Surgery