The main package of works will be carried out in two phases

Courtauld Connects Great Room

Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed construction manager for the Courtauld Institute of Art’s £39m revamp of Somerset House in London.

The project, known as Courtauld Connects, is the biggest development programme since The Courtauld Institute of Art moved to Somerset House in 1989 and aims to improve teaching and research facilities and enhance the gallery (pictured).

The overall development will be delivered in two phases, with Sir Robert McAlpine to carry out the construction manager role for the first phase with the option of it being extended to the second. 

The firm beat out three other bidders to secure the £1.1m contract.

Meanwhile, the construction contract will be let using a single stage procurement route, with phase one being worth £22m, while phase two has a value £17m.