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D-Day Museum – Electrical Refurbishment

D-day - entrance photo-1

Industry

Local Council

The Client's Vision

When Portsmouth City Council set out to refurbish the D-Day Museum in time for the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings, they had a clear vision: to create a space that honoured the past while meeting the needs of today’s visitors. That meant modern systems, safer infrastructure, and a building that could continue telling important stories for years to come, all without losing its unique character. We were proud to be brought in to help make that happen.

Meeting the Brief

Our job was to deliver a full electrical upgrade as part of the museum’s wider refurbishment. The brief combined practicality and sensitivity. Everything had to be efficient, compliant, and built to last, but also carefully integrated so that it didn’t take away from the exhibits or the space itself. We knew the deadlines couldn’t shift, and we knew expectations would be high. That’s where our approach really comes into its own: clear communication, close coordination, and total focus on getting it right first time.

Lighting Design, Electrical installations

theddaystory.com/
272 ft
Length of Overlord Embroidery to commemorate D-Day.
1
Landing Craft Tank LCT 7074
60K
Visitors per year.
1
Only UK museum for D Day.

D Squared have worked with us for over 4 years now and have been great in assisting us with our projects when we have needed them.

Jay Ricketts

Director of JLR Group.

The guys at D Squared have completed a number of electrical jobs for my business. We've been very happy with the price, workmanship and speed of completed work. Happy to recommend them as a company.

Dan Williamson

Director

Have used D Squared twice now for various electrical jobs and would highly recommend them. They are efficient, tidy and courteous. Definitely 5 star service.

Jessica Winter

Property Owner

Great work! Very professional and great value for money!

Duane Bradshaw

Director - Broadway Coffee Roasters UK

d-day - new ;ights

About the Client

The D-Day Museum’s based in Southsea and is run by Portsmouth City Council. It’s the only museum in the UK that focuses solely on the Normandy landings, and it plays a big role in the city’s cultural scene. The site includes permanent exhibitions, education spaces and rotating displays, and brings in visitors from across the country and abroad.

The Challenge

 Working in a live museum environment always comes with challenges, but we thrive on that kind of work. Many of the exhibits were still in place while we were on site, which meant every action had to be carefully managed to avoid dust, noise, or movement that could damage fragile artefacts. Aesthetics mattered too: containment and finishes had to be clean, subtle and respectful of the setting. And with the 75th anniversary events locked in, there was no margin for delay. We had to get everything right, first time, on time.

The Solution

We installed completely new power and lighting systems throughout the museum, designed from the ground up to work in a space like this. Lighting was carefully planned to enhance the displays without putting them at risk, and energy efficiency was built into the design from the start. Emergency lighting was installed to BS 5266 standards, and the new fire alarm system was fully certified to BAFE SP203.

Containment was one of the trickiest parts. Everything had to be positioned precisely, finished neatly, and blend in with the building’s structure. It’s the kind of detail we take pride in. Our work included:

  • Full power and lighting installation

  • LED lighting upgrades tailored for exhibit spaces

  • Emergency lighting to BS 5266

  • Fire alarm installation (BAFE SP203 certified)

  • Discreet containment in keeping with the building’s look

  • Full commissioning and certification of all systems

Throughout the job, we stuck to our 10 Point Customer Promise. That means doing what we say we’ll do, staying accountable, and leaving things better than we found them.

 

The Results

The project was completed on time, fully certified, and ready ahead of the D-Day 75 commemorations. The museum now benefits from improved safety, reduced running costs, and a modern electrical infrastructure that supports both day-to-day operations and special exhibitions. The lighting has made a noticeable difference to the way displays are experienced, and the systems in place are built to serve the site reliably for years to come.

This was a high-profile job with clear expectations, and we delivered exactly what was needed — to the right standard, within the agreed timeframe.

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