The practice says it has assembled an industry-leading team for the World Shakespeare Campus Masterplan, which will imagine a new campus-style development incorporating two existing buildings and exploring the potential for a new Shakespeare-themed museum.Backed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the vision will include the regeneration of Henley Street, the building where Shakespeare was born, and the existing Shakespeare Centre, and assess the potential for a new World Shakespeare Museum in a neighbouring 35,000m regeneration site known as Stratford-upon-Avon Gateway. The new museum would link the birthplace with existing Trust buildings on Henley Street.BDP says the project will lead to the creation of an updated, cultural and visitor experience with global appeal that strengthens Stratford-upon-Avons status as the home of Shakespeare.Advertisement Source:Mareks Perkons/ShutterstockShakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-AvonThe competition for the 100 million project was launched last August by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, with an estimated 75,000 contract for the winning team.A brief by Trust said it wanted the team, led by an architect, urban realm designer, tourism development consultant or project manager, to develop a long-term strategy for the Trusts masterplan development, with the focal point being the new World Shakespeare Campus.The campus is expected to include an exhibition and visitor experience, a town museum, learning spaces, an archive, performance space, food and retail spaces, staff offices, conferencing facilities, a childrens play area and coach parking.Key aims include boosting access to the trusts museum facilities and collections, improving public realm and visitor experience, and unlocking wider regeneration across Stratford-upon-Avon.An international design competition is expected to be held for the 8,000m World Shakespeare Museum itself following the completion of the campus masterplan.AdvertisementGergana Draganova, urbanism director at BDP, said the team assembled by the practice brings a balance of global expertise and local sensitivity to a project which presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a cultural and heritage destination of international significance.Speaking of BDPs appointment, Tim Aucott, director of strategy and change at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: Our ambition for the World Shakespeare Campus is to create a space in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon that honours Shakespeares enduring legacy and celebrates his hometown. To achieve such an ambitious and wide-reaching project weve partnered with an organisation that has unrivalled experience on delivering masterplans that balance the needs of residents and the opportunities for growth and renewal.2025-02-18Anna Highfieldcomment and share