The scheme will transform the 120-year-old gallery by doubling the size of the public display space and creating new learning resources.
ISG will build a two-storey concrete frame extension at the rear of the Grade II listed property, delivering a new north wing to house high profile artworks.
The contemporary addition uses extensive glazing for natural daylight and to allow views across Whitworth Park. A glazed promenade gallery will link the new north wing to the existing south wing. ISG will also create a new main entrance.
As part of a the refurbishment, ISG will strip out and upgrade the gallery’s mechanical and electrical services and install more efficient systems, including a ground source heat pump, to target a BREEAM Excellent rating for the completed building.
Exhibition space will be refurbished across the first floor and three barrel ceiling exhibition galleries will also increase overall gallery capacity. When combined with the new extension, nearly 400 square metres of extra exhibition space will be created, doubling the amount of artwork that can currently be displayed.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
