Soldier Gallery Build Tender

The permanent gallery, 'Soldier' at the National Army Museum (NAM) is frequently cited as the most popular permanent gallery by our visitors.

The layout of the gallery will not change, but we are taking this opportunity to rotate exhibits and remedy some issues that have arisen with the original gallery fit out. The floor screed has developed numerous cracks and this will be re-laid by a specialist contractor and dose not form part of this tender. However, as a result, the wooden plinths around the existing display cases need to be dismantled (see Annex F: Soldier Gallery Fit Out & Related Works - published separately) and the display cases moved to the areas noted on page 3, Annex F, to allow for remedial works to the floor. The dismantling of the display case plinths and the removal of the cases to elsewhere in the gallery form part of this tender. Once the floor is repaired, the display cases will be returned to their former positions and the plinths will be re-instated. This also forms part of this tender. Another aspect of the tender includes cutting an access section with shadow gaps into12 of the existing plinths to allow for easier access see Annex F page 7.

The Museum will be installing a new showcase which will be made by a specialist company and does not form part of this tender. However, it will require a wooden plinth (see Annex G under separate cover). It is essential that the main build contractor works closely with the manufacturer of the new display case. Painting of the gallery throughout is required and this will be undertaken in two phases, see painting plan Annex F page 5 under separate cover. Objects will be re-instated in the painted areas.

All works are detailed fully in the Tender Brief.

NAM wishes to appoint a contractor to fulfil the scope above and outlined in the attached document Annex E Template for Pricing (under separate cover), which should be read in conjunction with all the drawings in Annex F (under separate cover). The contractor is responsible for taking their own measurements from site. The budget is in the region of £150,000 excl vat (one hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling).