News

HOWARD GROUP COMPANY WORKING ON MUSEUM PROJECT

April 2009

Howard Capital Partners, the corporate venturing arm of the Howard Group of companies in Regent Street , has various invested companies in its portfolio. One of these companies, suspended ceiling and partitioning specialists A T Jones, is currently working on a major museum project.

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is currently undergoing a massive £61 million redevelopment which is due for completion in November 2009. Designed by award-winning architect Rick Mather, the new museum building project will double the existing display space by providing 39 new galleries and create a dedicated Education Centre and conservation facilities. A purpose-built Education Centre with its own entrance will be created as well as three new study centres with hands-on access to reserve collections, greatly improving provision for the needs of school parties and scholars, as well as the general public.

State-of-the-art conservation facilities will transform the museum's ability to care for the treasures. A rooftop restaurant will provide a spectacular setting for rest and sustenance. The huge project covers a 10,000 sq m site.

A T Jones has played a major part in the redevelopment. They have been responsible for all the walls and ceilings for the 39 new galleries. These will be ready to house the new exhibit showcases which are now nearing completion.

Commenting on the project, A T Jones Chairman Dale Jones says; "Ashmolean is a significant contract for us and an excellent one to showcase. Being able to handle such a huge project underlines the major development of the company that has taken place since the Howard Group investment buyout 3 years ago. We have developed on from a small family-owned business into a major organisation within the interior fit out sector. We are very pleased with our ongoing expansion, particularly in a time of recession within the industry."