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Whitworth Art Gallery

Work commenced on the Manchester gallery in November 2012, and the space was shut to the public on 1st September 2013, with the project coming to a close in early 2015.

Funding was provided by a multitude of sources, including an £8.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1.8m from Arts Council England Strategic Funds.

Our team of experts project managed the health and safety of the new build extension and internal refurbishment of the grade II listed gallery, which would provide additional public spaces and gallery accommodation including the creation of three large exhibition spaces and a promenade gallery.

We also provided project management support post-contract and post-completion.

A key feature of the project is a two-storey, cantilevered glass extension out into Whitworth Park. A second new wing, made of brick, includes a new landscape gallery and a study centre. The wing, running along Denmark Road, features views across the park from the first floor. The two wings connect via a glass promenade gallery.

Refurbishment of the existing building will allow for better access and displaying large sculptures. The building’s 19th century ceilings will be revealed, while the Grand Hall on the first floor will be recovered.

Working on such an iconic and protected Manchester building, it was imperative that we understood the client brief and the intricacies of working on a listed building. Our team worked closely the project team to protect the heritage while meeting the health and safety regulations required on a public building.

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