Kettle's Yard

Options Appraisal for Landmark Expansion

Strategy and Planning

Client

Kettle's Yard

Location

United Kingdom

Theme

Cultural Venues

BOP played a pivotal role in enabling Kettle’s Yard to plan a £9 million expansion, providing the evidence and strategy needed to deliver a capital project that raised its profile, grew its audiences, and strengthened its position as a leading cultural institution in Cambridge.

Kettle’s Yard holds a unique place in Cambridge’s cultural life and the national arts landscape. To continue growing its audiences and educational impact, and to secure long-term resilience, the gallery required a clear strategy to shape its next phase of development. 

BOP was commissioned to deliver an options appraisal to guide future capital investment. Our work ensured that plans for growth would enhance the visitor experience, strengthen the educational offer, and underpin financial sustainability. 

Working alongside Jamie Fobert Architects, we explored a range of development possibilities, from the construction of a new Education Wing to a broader scheme that would re-shape the entire gallery site. We combined an evaluation of three capital development options with a market appraisal, including audience surveys and analysis of visitor growth potential. 

The preferred £9 million scheme was supported by a detailed business plan demonstrating its long-term cultural and economic impacts. We also developed financial and fundraising strategies, timelines, and risk assessments to support delivery, alongside stakeholder engagement plans to secure continued backing from funders and partners. 

The resulting roadmap positioned Kettle’s Yard to expand with confidence, ensuring its future growth is both sustainable and transformative. 

Deliverable

Capital development options appraisal

Deliverable

Financial and fundraising strategies

Deliverable

Timelines and risk assessments

Deliverable

Stakeholder engagement plans

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