Project timeline

The main construction of the building is now finished, see how the building work has progressed in our pictures on Flickr.

Key dates

• Spring 2013 – our contractors will be fitting the interior with furniture, equipment and signs
• May 2013 – our contractors hand over the building to us
• Summer 2013 - we're launching our new website
• Summer and Autumn 2013 – we'll be moving our records and offices in to the new building
• Winter 2013 - the building will be open to the public.

Previous work

• Detailed designs – drawn up by Atkins architects in partnership with the contractors, Kier Longley.
• Public consultations – from 26 April to 28 May 2010 to ask for your feedback on the project and the designs. We analysed the results and made some improvements in response to your comments.
• Access Workshop – asked local disability groups and organisations about our designs. We also looked at how we can continue to work together so that The Keep is fully accessible for deaf and disabled people.
• Activity plan and business plan – building on our earlier audience development and access plan work.
• Planning application – submitted to the Local Planning Authority in October 2010. Our application was approved in December, and we've agreed our 'pre-commencement planning conditions': Brighton & Hove City Council Planning Register (see ‘Decision' documents for conditions).
• Detailed design work and tender packages (stages E-G) – prepared detailed design information for sub-contractors, and tender documents.
• Contractor's proposals (stage H) – received the detailed proposals and cost for the construction work from the contractor, Kier Longley.
• Turf cutting ceremony – we marked the start of work on site with an event on 7 October: see photos of the turf cutting ceremony on Flikr.
• Start work on site – Kier started building work on the site. See how this progressed in our photos on Flickr – The Keep historical resource centre.
• Topping out ceremony – we came together on 1 October 2012 to celebrate laying the turf on the green roof: see photos of the topping out ceremony on Flickr.

Find out more about the project by downloading our Maps, plans and illustrations.

Project stages

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has an ‘Outline Plan of Work' to organise the development process into 10 stages (A to L).

• RIBA website – 'Outline Plan of Work 2007' (see bottom of page)