(4) Objective 1: To capture the history and tradition of the Site

The NMS has an impressive academic heritage that includes ground-breaking research and discoveries. Development of the site will promote the understanding of the site’s heritage whilst transforming it into an attractive and sustainable environment for working and learning, while making it adaptable for future requirements. The site will continue to contribute to the life of the city, as a focus for the University museums and collections and will create a ‘window’ into the life of the University and the site’s history through enhancement of public access and the creation of enjoyable spaces.

Objective 2: To improve accessibility

Entrances to the site from surrounding city streets will be improved, inviting access and controlled public use of the site. This will benefit staff, students and visitors, and enable the site’s museums and collections to be more easily accessed, and its cultural heritage to be explored.

(2) Objective 3: To retain heritage and quality buildings that contribute to the site and its surroundings

Development of the site will selectively conserve heritage buildings, located principally in the perimeter of the site, comprising a majority of Listed Buildings and Buildings of Local Interest. The core of the site has been substantially changed over time, and contains buildings of generally lower significance. The site core therefore provides the greatest opportunities for change and for new open spaces, which will in turn improve the setting of Listed Buildings on the site’s perimeter.

(1) Objective 4: To provide a new spatial structure with links to the city

A clear spatial structure for the site will be created, as a part of the historic city that supports University activity and provides a platform for academic life. This will include an attractive and legible environment that allows for all uses to come together with attractive open spaces that have a high amenity and sustainability value, as well as supporting the individual building uses. New flexible open spaces will be provided that allow for the movement of people and a setting for buildings.

Objective 5: To embrace sustainability

The City Council supports the preparation and implementation of a bespoke sustainability framework for the New Museums Site. This will relate to sets of sustainability principles grouped around the themes set out in Table 1 below:

Table 1

There are significant opportunities to create ecological habitats on the site on green/brown roofs, and to reduce the carbon footprint of the site through the provision of low carbon energy systems and renewable energy production.