V&A MUSEUM EAST STORE HOUSE

This project involved the transformation of part of the V&A East Storehouse into the David Bowie Centre — a permanent, public-facing archive dedicated to the life and works of David Bowie. The works were carried out under strict security and environmental constraints within a live museum/storehouse environment. The refurbished space enables public access to a collection of over 90,000 archive items, offering an immersive insight into Bowie’s creative legacy.

The scope included the isolation and strip-out of existing M&E services, removal of 12m-high stud partitions, suspended ceilings and redundant installations, and the formation of new wall openings. The project incorporated the installation of a new AHU and ventilation system, rerouting of high-level pipework, adjustments to the fire alarm, sprinkler and BMS systems, raising of cable containment, and extensive high-level services work.

Fit-out elements included new walls, racking integration, shelving, glazed doors, lighting adjustments and preparation for museum display installations. Additional instructed works included power and data upgrades throughout adjacent areas of the Storehouse, with all associated making-good and decoration.

Given the live museum environment, all operatives were security cleared and inducted onto the V&A’s systems prior to commencing work. Our first priority was the safe isolation and removal of redundant M&E while maintaining uninterrupted operation to the wider building.

A dust-tight enclosure was erected for the demolition phase to protect active exhibition areas.  All labour, deliveries and plant movements were escorted from the external door by Alcema-cleared personnel.

Work sequencing was adapted to suit museum constraints, including restricted delivery times.  Enhanced limitations were necessary to noisy works, and phased installation was implemented to the racking once new partitions were built and precise measurements could be taken. High-level decorations and services adjustments were completed out of hours where required to maintain programme progress.

The project demanded a flexible, responsive approach to maintain the programme despite operational restrictions, security protocols and incumbent subcontractor performance issues. Key solutions included:

• Out-of-hours working to accommodate museum VIP visits and noise restrictions
• Weekend and holiday working including over Easter to recover lost time and maintain programme
• Enhanced access security integrating digital systems int hoarding design and coordinating biometric movement for all operatives
• Close coordination with V&A Estates and maintenance teams (Vertex) enabling swift resolution of complex M&E interface requirements
• Adaptive sequencing allowing late-stage racking installation once accurate measurements could be taken without compromising down stream activities

Despite challenges, including delays from an incumbent contractor, these measures ensured continuity and protected the overall programme.

The project was successfully delivered to the required quality, security and conservation standards, with a partial handover allowing the V&A to begin fitting out the space and installing archive material while final snagging was completed. Despite the challenges of working within a live museum environment, restricted access windows and stringent security protocols, the programme was maintained through flexible sequencing, out-of-hours working and close coordination with the V&A’s Estates and maintenance teams.

The completed David Bowie Centre now provides a secure, climate-controlled and visually striking setting for more than 90,000 items from the David Bowie Archive. The refurbished space enables both public exhibition and research-level access, supporting curated displays, study areas and audiovisual content that bring Bowie’s creative legacy to life. Early feedback from the V&A team has been highly positive, recognising the quality of the finish, the care taken to protect the operational museum environment and the project team’s responsiveness throughout delivery.