Focus provided Ely Museum with project management and business planning support during the development phase, which led to the museum being awarded a £1.66 million National Lottery grant.
Focus were subsequently retained to provide project management services for the delivery stage of the Unlocking the Potential of the Old Gaol: Ely Museum Redevelopment Project.
The project, which completed in July 2021, transformed the museum into a heritage hub for locals and tourists, introducing them to the history of the area. As well as restoring historical features of the building, new galleries, events and exhibitions along with improved visitor facilities such as a new second floor extension, a new porch providing additional space, and the addition of a lift improving museum access, have created an exciting destination for local families, schools and visitors to the museum, while resources and trails encourage people to explore the district further.
In March 2023, Ely Museum won the Civic Trust Selwyn Goldsmith Universal Design Award as an exemplar project that demonstrates excellent universal design principles.
