Work is progressing on the delivery of essential improvements to the roof of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.

Willmott Dixon Interiors has installed more than 23,000 sq ft of new, sun-protected glazing, above the museum’s central court area.

The £12 million project is designed to address water ingress and reduce solar heat gain issues associated with the existing glazing of the Grade I listed building.

It is expected to provide better acoustics and a much-improved visitor experience, and comes more than 24 years after the original installation of what was then Europe’s largest free-span glazed roof.

All outdated glazing has been fully recycled, in line with the project’s ambitious sustainability and waste reduction goals.

Alongside the roof upgrades, Willmott Dixon Interiors is carrying out a deep clean and servicing of the building’s capital plant, including chillers, air coolers, air handling units, and the underfloor heating and cooling system, which will also undergo a flush. Existing plate heat exchangers are being replaced, and enhancements are being made to the air cooling systems to improve efficiency and performance.

Additionally, works to the internal space will include the renewal of electrical lighting, power, and data systems.

Willmott Dixon Interiors is delivering a series of social value-led activities alongside the main works. The contractor and its supply chain are engaging local communities in initiatives ranging from career and employability workshops, to work experience placements for students.

The contract to deliver the works was awarded by public-sector procurement specialist, SCAPE, and the project is expected to be completed later this year.

Roger Forsdyke, chief operations officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “The central court is the much-loved heart of the National Maritime Museum, with many visitors passing beneath its huge glass roof every year.

“This project is about ensuring the best possible experience for those people, as well as the museum’s staff and the collections they care for. The new glazing we are installing will not only enable natural light to flood the space, but has much improved thermal and acoustic qualities too.”

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors, to accelerate the delivery of the National Maritime Museum’s roof through our Major Works Framework.

“At SCAPE, we are committed to delivering social value across each one of our projects and this refurbishment is a fantastic example of how this can be achieved with local community initiatives and career opportunities.”