Contractor named for V&A’s East London collection and research centre

The V&A has named the construction firm set to deliver its new collection and research centre in East London.

Building and civil engineering firm McLaughlin & Harvey has been appointed to create the Diller Scofidio + Renfro-designed collection and research centre.

Part of the V&A East project, the collection and research centre is one of two new public V&A venues now under construction in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The new 16,000 sq m purpose-built centre will become home to 250,000 objects, 350,000 books and over 1,000 archives including fashion, textiles, furniture, painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, design, architecture and digital.

Claire McKeown, V&A East project director, commented: “V&A East is one of the most significant and ambitious developments in the V&A’s history. Our collection and research centre will be a global first, combining a unique visitor attraction with a working museum store that meets the complex and varied needs of the V&A’s diverse collection.

“It’s an unprecedented and challenging brief, and we were impressed with McLaughlin & Harvey’s ingenious response, particularly their sensitive approach to integrating our large-scale collection objects, architectural fragments and historic interiors into the build.

“I look forward to having them on board to realise Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s revolutionary designs as we build an exciting new future in east London.”

Michael Kieran, construction director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to have been appointed as main contractor for this iconic project by the V&A.

“We look forward to supporting the V&A in the development of this facility which will allow their unrivalled collections to be stored and explored.

“This project is part of the V&A’s expansion plans in east London and will take pride of place in our portfolio of work in the South East.”

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