The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port receives public money through the Canal and River Trust, previously British Waterways and is a drive to visitor attraction. The museum showcases the history of the canal and the lives and times of the people who worked on them. Set within a conservation area, on the banks of the mighty Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey, the museum is set in a glorious collection of Grade II Listed canal buildings with spectacular double locks taking boats through the heart of the museum on the Shropshire Union Canal.

To encourage greater visitor numbers to the Ellesmere Port site by refurbishing the Reception, Waterside Cafe, and Shop space. The aim of the project was to improve the customer experience by offering a light, cheerful and welcoming area. A key part of the clients brief was to:

• Improve visitor orientation with clear signage.
• Maximise income from all sources by improving customer flow through the reception, cafe, and shop areas.
• Encourage turnover coming from the cafe and shop.
• Provide effective storage solutions.

BWD have designed, developed and project managed all new shop and cafe fixture elements.  We have additionally brought in specialist contractors to undertake the manufacture and installation of the shop and cafe fixtures and the lighting treatments.  We have worked alongside the client team to advise on product selections as well as how they might be displayed to enhance the overall visitor experience.