Mather & Co has taken first place in a competitive tender to develop a new Heritage Experience and Archive at the home of British motorsport at Silverstone
The design consultancy, renowned for its work on the Olympic Museum and National Football Museum, assisted Silverstone in producing the successful HLF Round 1 submission in 2013 and development work will now begin towards a Round 2 submission for spring 2016.
The project will delve into the rich heritage of Silverstone, exploring all aspects of the site’s history from the Bronze Age to present day. Visitors will be able to take a journey around the track and learn about the surprising history that inspired the legendary names of its corners. From early burial sites and medieval Benedictine Priories to its role as an airfield during the Second World War, there will be thousands of years of history to explore. Not only that, visitors will be able to celebrate Silverstone’s role at the heart of British motorsport over the last 65 years and see personal collections from the legends of the sport.
“The success of this year’s Formula 1 is a testament to how intrinsic the sport is to British culture and it’s important we tell its story,” said Chris Mather, Managing Director at Mather & Co. “We are delighted to be chosen to carry out this project at Silverstone, which holds a significant place in the history of motorsport industry.”
Mather said the 760 acre site offers a remarkable history which many visitors are currently unaware of, and it’s our job to bring this to life in an interesting and engaging way. “We’ve already been successful with the HLF Round 1 submission, and Round 2 will provide the funding to deliver this exciting and unique project,” he said.
The Silverstone Heritage Live project will comprise a world-class heritage exhibition and temporary exhibition space. There will also be a state-of-the-art archive facility, education suite, reception, café and heritage store. Mather & Co. strive to create an exciting visitor experience using innovative technology to tell the compelling stories of the people that have been part of the site’s history and those who have played an important role in the history of British motor racing.
Sally Reynolds, Heritage Project Director at Silverstone, said: “Mather & Co was instrumental in helping us secure HLF Round 1 and has shown a real passion for the project since the offset. With so many fantastic sporting attractions already under its belt, Mather & Co has the experience we were looking for to help us deliver a world-class visitor attraction for Silverstone. Following a hugely successful launch this weekend, we’re excited to continue to develop the project with Mather & Co.”
The ambition is to create an £18m celebration of British Motor sport at Silverstone in close partnership with HLF and the British Racing Drivers Club and other partners.
