Green light for art gallery revamp
The final thumbs up has been given to a £2.8m makeover of Wolverhampton’s landmark Art Gallery - with a city boss pledging the new-look venue will soon be paying for itself.
Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said: "In five years time the improvements to the gallery will be making contributions to our income as a result of this investment."
The focus of improvements are centred on the cafe's expansion in a new ground-floor setting, close to the entrance, leaving room on the first floor to extend the exhibition space.
Work on the first phase is expected to start later this year and be completed in spring. It will also feature improvements to the St Peter’s Gardens entrance, better access for disabled visitors and 'bigger and better displays upstairs', said Mr Reynolds.
It is estimated the changes will bring in an extra income of £100,000 by 2022, chiefly through the new cafe. The work will be paid for through £750,000 borrowing, a £65,000 government grant already secured and other grants.
A second phase, which has identified further improvements but not a funding source as yet, includes an ambitious plan for an amphitheatre, new external lighting, outdoor cafe, restoration of St Peter’s Close, a new education room and hire spaces.
Phase one was approved by a meeting of the cabinet's resources panel.
