In April 2016 we completed a development study and concept design for the Guildhall Museum - a group of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings in Rochester High Street. The centrepiece is the Court Hall, built in 1687 and a fine example of late Jacobean civic architecture. Further ranges were added in the 19th century. Finally, a magistrates’ court was added in the 1970’s. The City Museum was relocated there in 1980, and an adjacent property, the erstwhile Medway Conservancy Board offices, added in 1992. The museum is in urgent need of modernisation. The agglomeration of buildings have over 20 changes of level, there is no wheelchair access beyond the ground floor (the most important spaces are on other levels), and there is no accessible WC. The Conservancy Board building has no physical connection to the rest of the museum. The Concept Design proposes the demolition of the Magistrates’ Court and its replacement with a new extension maximising the space available to the rear. At the same time, a new enclosed atrium orientation/display space will be created between the historic elements and the new extension, with ramped access from the high street and links to all levels. The rear extension provides 130m2 of temporary exhibition space at upper ground floor level, opening directly off the atrium. At the first floor above, a 130m2 multi-purpose room will provide banqueting for up to 90 people as well as corporate events, informal presentations, or further temporary exhibition space. Angled glazing will give views to the river. Adjacent spaces are provided for storage and catering preparation. A balcony through the Atrium will provide level access to the Members’ Room and Court Hall for larger events such as weddings. Both levels will be served by a goods lift from a rear service yard. At second floor level, an existing collection store will be converted into a cafe space, utilising the fine windows remaining from its original use as a technical institute, to provide far-reaching views across the Medway. A new semi-basement level below the atrium will provide additional display spaces, a dedicated education room and a link to a second, smaller extension to the rear of the Conservancy Board building.