Hook Mason had a five-year framework agreement with English Heritage, during which period we were asked to put forward proposals for a new Visitor Centre to replace the small timber kiosk situated on the Castle’s Barbican. The potential archaeological significance of the Barbican and its small size led to the decision to site the new Centre on an existing car park, where toilets and a temporary café were already present. These were demolished and replaced with the new Centre which incorporated these same facilities, together with control of entry to the Castle grounds, a shop and exhibition area.
Concerns regarding the relatively remote location led to a design which allows all the glazed areas to be protected when the Centre is closed by large timber shutters. Careful detailing and choice of materials has given this relatively small simple building a high quality.
