Working on a Grade I listed building, that sits on a scheduled ancient monument, is a complex undertaking.
In fact, it is probably the most exciting heritage project being undertaken in the UK right now, and Senior Project Manager, Matt Bidewell has taken time to reflect on what he describes as a project that will be the pinnacle of his career.
Sitting next to a large ornate window, within the Castle Keep, Matt is fixated on his computer screen, interrogating the technical detailing that sits behind the innovative structural design, which will bring this 12th Century Norman Castle back to its former glory.
Not only will it help people experience what the Castle was like for the Norman Kings, it will deliver full accessibility for everyone, making sure people can full explore the galleries and even ascend to the battlements for stunning views across the city.
But, that is the end game, and there is an inordinate amount of exciting and challenging work to be done to get to that point.
This project is the top of its game,” says Matt, “It’s everything I see as important to understand and to show respect to, all wrapped up on one project.
The scheme, which is being delivered for Norfolk Museums Service is designed by architects Feilden + Mawson and structural engineers Conisbee and is being overseen on the client side by project managers Artelia.
A significant project needs a significantly collaborative team
Although this is a traditionally procured scheme, Matt describes the working arrangement as completely different to any other scheme, in that collaboration and ideation around the best solutions, are the responsibility of the whole team, not just the designers.
We need to make sure we get it right and understand what everyone wants to see from this project, and the only way we can do that is working with our consultants, with our client and the end users to make sure we fully understand the scheme, but also to be completely respectful to the historic nature and fabric of the building.”
You have to listen carefully and understand the drivers of each individual specialism and then by speaking openly, honestly and making sure that everyone understands the importance of what we are doing on a daily basis is the way we progress – that’s how important collaborative working is on here.
The scheme is progressing well, and every day raises new and exciting challenges.
“From threading beams through carefully crafted pockets in the Norman Walls, to the discovery of a Norman pier and any archaeological finds, we really are having to mix new and old methods of working in ways which we never have before. So much work is also being done by hand, and everything under the watching brief of an archaeologist.”
Tunnelling through a structure built to protect its inhabitants
The team are currently tunnelling through one of the main Castle walls, bringing connection between the main Keep and the new toilet block that will be constructed next door.
These sorts of ground-breaking elements are exciting to be part of – no-one has ever done this before, so the team here are setting the standards every day.
"Even before we started on site, we had to be creative about how we deliver this scheme. For example, the weight limits on the bridge because of the dungeons underneath, and the complexity around anchoring a large tower crane into a scheduled ancient monument are just two complex logistics elements that needed collaboration with Secretary of State level.”
The Norman’s didn’t need to manage logistics in the way this team has to!
The Castle sits proudly on an 18-metre-high mound, which is protected as a scheduled ancient monument. It is also landlocked by busy high streets on all sides and is underpinned by a huge shopping mall. Logistics management on the scheme is completely unrivalled.
“For us though, logistics was an element we were incredibly keen to get our teeth into early. It’s the sort of challenge the team thrives on. We’re using a tower crane and pit-lane delivery area to get our materials up to the castle, but then we’ll be using a host of specialist plant and materials to get inside the keep and erect the steel frame. Everything here will be done for the first time and so every element has been planned in minute detail.”
“All that background work that we do to get to the finish is what makes this job special for me. What we are going through here, it will never be replicated, it is a true one-off and thousands upon thousands of people will walk through here and be wowed by it – what wouldn’t you love about that?”
Bringing the building to life through digital technology
Complementing the physical changes to the Castle will be an innovative use of projection and digital technology to bring the building to life, immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of King Henry I’s lavish castle. Newly exposed Norman archaeology and architecture will tell previously untold stories of the Castle’s rich and fascinating history, while the British Museum Medieval Gallery will show beautiful objects to explore the lives and stories of people from the wider medieval period and Norwich’s importance within it.
“How do you find a more prestige or romantic setting for construction, and to have the added benefit of knowing so many people will enjoy this building makes it even more special. The fact that people are going to walk over this bridge, enjoy the new spaces and hopefully appreciate how sympathetically it has been created does give you a real buzz, and to be able to bring the children here, to bring colleagues here – it will be the pinnacle of my career.”
To learn more about the works so far, watch our 25 minute programme to journey through the Castle project: