The National Railway Museum's Central Hall project has entered an important new stage, marking a major step in the transformation of its York site. The new building will sit at the centre of the museum and act as a gateway to the wider visitor experience. It will connect different parts of the site, provide level access for the first time and improve the way visitors move through one of Britain's most important railway heritage destinations. 

The National Railway Museum has appointed GRAHAM to deliver the main construction phase, following the contractor's earlier role in pre-construction services. The appointment brings the project closer to completion after several years of planning, consultation and site preparation. Construction is expected to continue over the next two years, creating a building that supports the museum's future whilst respecting its historic setting. 

Designed by Feilden Fowles, Central Hall was developed after an international design competition. Its circular form takes inspiration from historic locomotive roundhouses, whilst its recycled copper cladding, glazed ceilings and timber radials will create a striking new entrance. The National Railway Museum has stated that the building will include new gallery space, toilets, a café and a shop, helping to create a more accessible and welcoming museum. 

The project has moved forward steadily since planning approval was granted in 2022. Key preparation works have included demolishing former facilities, installing new utilities, building a modern substation and creating a new commercial kitchen to support the museum's current and future offer. These works have helped prepare the site for the main construction phase and allowed the final building and landscape designs to be completed. 

Sustainability has been central to the project from the start. Research from the National Railway Museum shows that Central Hall has been designed with a fabric-first approach, using an efficient building envelope, natural ventilation and carefully controlled daylight. This will help reduce energy demand whilst creating comfortable spaces for visitors and stable conditions for collections. Data from the UK Green Building Council shows that reducing operational carbon remains one of the major challenges facing the built environment, making this approach especially important. 

The new building will also support the museum's role in explaining the future of rail. Central Hall will include Railway Futures: The Porterbrook Gallery, which will explore new technologies and the changing role of rail transport. This reflects the museum's aim to show railways not only as part of Britain's industrial past, but also as a key part of the country's future transport network. 

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, explained: "Central Hall is more than a new building – it is a bold, future-facing statement that embodies the Railway Museum's commitment to being 'Open for All' and sets a new sustainability benchmark for the site. I cannot wait to see this landmark new space emerge from the ground as we begin our next chapter as the world's gateway to the past, present and future of railways." 

The project has also received further Government support. Earlier this year, the Prime Minister announced an additional £3 million of funding to help unlock progress following challenges linked to the stopping up of Leeman Road, which has divided the museum site. The investment shows the importance of cultural infrastructure in supporting regeneration, access and long-term public benefit. 

For GRAHAM, the start of main construction works is a significant milestone. Julian Donnelly, Contracts Manager at GRAHAM, commented: "Reaching the main construction phase is a significant milestone for Central Hall and we are proud to continue our partnership with the National Railway Museum on such an important project. This landmark development will create a welcoming and accessible gateway for visitors whilst celebrating the rich heritage and future innovation of Britain's railways. Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable building that will serve generations of visitors and become a key part of the museum's transformation." 

When complete, Central Hall will transform the way visitors experience the National Railway Museum. By bringing together heritage, access, sustainability and future-facing exhibition space, the project will create a lasting new centrepiece for the museum and a clear statement about the continuing importance of rail in Britain.