Fishbourne reborn through BU partnership

Date: 6 December 2010

Fishbourne re-born through BU partnership

Bournemouth University and Fishbourne Roman Palace have joined together to develop the museum’s visitor experience

Bournemouth University (BU) has got together with Fishbourne Roman Palace to review and enhance the museum experience and attract more visitors to this fascinating Roman site.

Museum Director, Christine Medlock, said: "There is an urgent need to undertake research to understand how the Fishbourne Roman Palace museum, gallery and overall visitor experience can be innovatively redesigned so that it becomes compatible with the needs and expectations of today’s visitors."

The attraction near Chichester in West Sussex is one of the most important Roman sites north of the Alps and has a solid reputation for academic integrity and educational excellence.

The partnership is a government–supported shorter Knowledge Transfer Partnership (sKTP), which should generate much-needed revenue for Fishbourne Roman Palace.

BU graduate Jennie Gadsby has been recruited as the KTP Associate to deliver the 40–week project that will involve a major facelift of the visitor experience and Museum Gallery.

BU’s Professor of Archaeology, Mark Brisbane, explained that the museum requires specialist archaeological, cultural and tourism expertise to help to make the displays more accessible to the public. He said: "BU will work in partnership with the museum to develop a solution that is modern and dynamic in approach, yet sensitive to the heritage of the location."

Bournemouth University recently re–launched BU Archaeology, a specialised service that supports both commercial and private building developments requiring archaeology services. University-based experts can provide desk-based assessments and perform field evaluations and geophysical surveys.

Professor Brisbane concluded: "We are all very excited about this opportunity to bring history to life for the enjoyment of everyone."

About Shorter Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Shorter Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (sKTP) receive financial support from the national Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme (KTP). KTP aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base. KTP is funded by Technology Strategy Board and other government funding organisations.

The total value of this project £38,000 of which £22,800 is Government funding.

sKTPs support strategic or tactical projects and can work with businesses, charities and/or public sector organisations. A Graduate is employed to deliver the project, and regular academic support is provided by a subject expert based at the University.

The duration of this project is 40 weeks starting November 2010.