Sympathetic restoration brought back original features to this museum, gallery and library
Collective Architecture for Inverclyde Council
Contract value: £1.8m
GIA: 1,447m2 Cost per m2: £1,243
The grade A listed Watt Institution is important historically, civically, socially and culturally: it houses local archives, artefacts and world class artwork. The building consists of a museum, art gallery and library along with a large hall for temporary exhibitions and community events. The brief was to carry out meticulous conservation of the external fabric to halt its deterioration. This entailed extensive works to the slate roof and leadwork, stonework, timber sash and case and leaded glass windows and rainwater goods. Based on historic photographs from the archive, some important features were reintroduced. These include the tall chimney stacks to the library gables, which have substantially modified the facade proportions. Following the sympathetic restoration, the building is now accessible for all.