Marcon Fit-Out to be recommended to bring new Museum of Watford to life at council meeting

The Museum of Watford, made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, has reached another major milestone, with the appointment of Marcon Fit-Out as the contractor for the exhibition fit out, being recommend at Watford Borough Council Cabinet (1 July).

This marks a significant step forward in delivering the town’s new museum within the Town Hall Quarter development, which is due to open in 2027.

Marcon Fit-Out was selected following a competitive procurement process thanks to its extensive experience delivering high-quality museum, heritage and visitor attraction projects.

Its portfolio includes major cultural destinations such as V&A East Museum, Bletchley Park's The Intelligence Factory, Titanic Belfast Gallery and Poole Museum. Their expertise in creating immersive, story-led exhibitions makes it ideally placed to help bring the Museum of Watford's three new galleries – Introducing Watford, Sporting Watford and We Are Watford – to life for residents and visitors alike.

The fit out will transform the new museum space into a modern, engaging visitor attraction, through innovative displays, interpretation, artefacts and interactive exhibits. The museum will form a key part of the wider Town Hall Quarter, which is creating a vibrant new cultural destination at the heart of the town.

Community participation has been fundamental to shaping the new Museum of Watford. Over the past two years, residents have played a direct role in developing the content and stories that will be told:

• 107 residents have worked with the project team to co-curate permanent gallery displays exploring local identity, sport, entertainment and community life
• A new Museum Advisory Panel has been established, attracting strong interest and helping guide the museum’s future direction
• Programmes such as Museum Next Gen are supporting young people to take part as curators, alongside work placements, volunteering opportunities and wider participation initiatives

This collaborative approach is ensuring the museum reflects the voices, experiences and aspirations of Watford’s communities.

While the building itself is currently closed for construction, the museum service continues to actively engage with audiences across the borough:

• The Museum on Tour programme has already reached more than 1,200 people through events in community spaces, with further activity planned
• A programme of talks, events and outreach activity continues to bring the museum into local settings and connect with new audiences
• Regular communications via social media and newsletters are maintaining strong engagement with existing audiences
• New initiatives include sessions for young children, creative co-curation projects with community groups, and tailored programmes for schools, refugees, disabled children and people living with dementia

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "We are determined to secure a contractor with the specialist skills and experience needed to deliver a museum that does justice to Watford's remarkable story. Marcon Fit-Out have delivered some fantastic projects, including the V&A East Museum, Bletchley Park's The Intelligence Factory and Titanic Belfast Gallery. We are really looking forward to creating a museum experience that residents and visitors can enjoy for generations to come."

Once complete, the new Museum of Watford will offer enhanced exhibition spaces, improved accessibility and new opportunities for residents, schools and visitors to explore the town's past, present and future. 

View more information on Town Hall Quarter here