Capital Development Network, Kiplin Hall, North Yorkshire, 28 May 2026
As part of MDN’s Future Preparedness programme, the Capital Development Network brings together museum people who are undertaking or planning capital development projects.
These in-person events are an opportunity for the museum sector in the North of England to share learning, get peer support, and hear from a variety of speakers across a range of topics around planning and delivering capital development projects.
Each session will be held at a venue that has undergone capital development projects and focus on current and future climate resilience. The overall theme of this network session is ‘Restoring the old, installing the new’ – exploring how restoring historic buildings also often brings about the need for new build (either in the old building, such as a lift, or with new facilities) and the challenges, opportunities and funding streams linked to these activities.
We will hear from Kiplin Hall about commissioning a condition survey, their MEND programme and about their new visitor centre. Brontë Parsonage will also present about their new build changing places toilet and plans to restore a historic building in the centre of Haworth. There will be a tour of the Kiplin Hall site, along with lots of opportunities for discussion and networking.
Kiplin Hall & Gardens at the heart of North Yorkshire, was built in the 1620’s for George Calvert founder of Maryland, USA. Along with the historic hall, there is also a brand new visitor centre and café. The hall and lake are surrounded by scenic woodland and parkland, with a walled garden and formal borders.
The day will start with tea and coffee from 10am. A delicious, complimentary lunch is provided.
Agenda
10:00-10:25 Arrival and Refreshments
10.25-10:30 MDN Welcome & Introduction to the day, Kaye Hardyman and Sue Hughes, Museum Development Advisers, Museum Development North
10:30-11:00 Andrew Boyce, Donald Insall Associates Architects will talk about developing a condition survey for Kiplin Hall and their MEND projects
11:00-11:30 Guy Smith, Director, Bauman Lyons Architects, Undoing, Redoing, New Doing: Unlocking Opportunities in Heritage Environments
11:30-12:45 Director of Kiplin Hall James Etherington will talk about the renovation of the historic hall and the development of the new visitor centre and stores, including how it was funded, followed by a tour of the site.
12:45-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:00 Rebecca Yorke, Director, Brontë Parsonage Museum will talk about their new-build award winning visitor facilities and the future capital project to restore a number of historic buildings in Haworth.
2:00-3:00 Owen Plummer, Purcell Architects will lead a visioning exercise with the group
3:00-3:15 Closing statements, future planning and date for next meeting, Kaye Hardyman & Sue Hughes, Museum Development Advisers, Museum Development North
The Future Preparedness Programme is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to design a programme to support museums in the north of England to respond to and prepare for climate disruptions through a series of workshops, bespoke support, events and a funding opportunity.
Catering: As part of MD North’s commitment to environmental responsibility and carbon reduction, catering for our in-person events is vegetarian and vegan. We encourage you to bring a reusable hot drink cup and water bottle, and perhaps a Tupperware to take home any leftovers to minimise food waste.
Access: The meeting room is in the visitor centre and is around 50metres from the car park which has five disabled parking spaces. There is step-free access and four toilets including one with disabled access and one ambulatory.
The tour will include the visitor centre, which is on two levels, with only the ground floor accessible. The first floor is accessible by stairs. The tour of the hall will be on the ground floor which is accessible via a small ramp and is around 100metres away from the visitor centre. For more information visit here.
Booking: Please only book if you are committed to attending, so that we give everyone a timely opportunity to book and remove the added paperwork required in dealing with cancellations. If for some reason you can no longer attend, please let us know asap so we can reallocate your place.
For more information, please contact: sue.hughes@museumdevelopmentnorth.org.uk.
Location
Kiplin Hall and Gardens
Near Scorton, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 6AT