Traditional conservation meets modern intervention at Amberley Museum

Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Amberley Museum celebrates the region’s industrial heritage. Once a thriving lime-burning site, its structures, including continuous bottle kilns, a bagging shed, and railway sidings, reflect its 19th and early 20th-century past. Pritchard Architecture undertook careful conservation and improvement works at this Scheduled Monument, blending preservation with modern functionality.

The project centred on the Bagging Shed, Loading Bay, and No. 1 Kiln, ensuring repairs retained the site’s rugged, industrial character. Timber cladding, corrugated roofs, and brickwork were carefully restored, while structural stabilisation ensured long-term integrity. Removing obtrusive elements, like a shipping container blocking the railway siding, allowed for the installation of a resin-bound gravel surface embedded with replica tracks to enhance historical interpretation.

A new steel walkway and ramp system now provide accessibility while respecting the kiln floor’s heritage. This fully reversible design minimises impact on the historic fabric, exemplifying sustainable conservation.

The Bagging Shed has been reimagined as a gift shop, benefiting from improved thermal performance, while the Loading Bay features interpretative elements, including a bespoke glazed screen inspired by a historic locomotive.

This sensitive revitalisation celebrates Amberley Museum’s unique character, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design and conservation can breathe new life into industrial heritage, preserving it for future generations.