Gloucestershire Heritage Hub played host to a garden party at the weekend to celebrate the end of the refurbishment work, thanks to Beards Construction, who took over the build earlier this year.

In April, Beards Construction took over work to create a new entrance to the Heritage Hub, as well as a visitor car park and three new strongrooms, with several miles of shelving to house archive collections. A new training suite, The Dunrossil Centre, was also opened last week  by Mavis, Lady Dunrossil. The suite will be host to public events, as well as archives and community training.

The aim of the refurbishment was to make it easier for staff, volunteers and visitors to access the building, and to bring those with a shared interest in the history of Gloucestershire together under one roof. As well as Gloucestershire Archives, organisations including Gloucestershire Family History Society and the Gloucestershire Constabulary Archive now have dedicated space within the Heritage Hub. There is also space for group and quiet work, and a wildlife-friendly community garden.

Beards' determination to finish the job on time was put to the test when a blackbird nested in the porch of the Family History Society's half-finished office. Contractors and staff alike had to adjust their plans and work around the blackbird as she raised two broods of fledglings - eight baby blackbirds in total!

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for finance and change, at Gloucestershire County Council said: "I am very grateful to Beards for bringing this major project to a successful conclusion. The Heritage Hub is a fantastic resource in gathering, keeping and sharing the documented history of Gloucestershire and beyond."

Marc Bayley, Director at Beards, said: "We're delighted to have worked with Gloucestershire Archives on this fantastic project and being part of the team that delivered The Heritage Hub. I know this facility will be a great asset for the people of Gloucestershire for many years to come."

For more information about Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, visit https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/heritage-hub/ , or check out the new facilities at Alvin Street, Gloucester.