Cheltenham's art gallery and museums win £750k funding
This positive news means that the redevelopment scheme can now move forward to the next stage.
The exciting and ambitious plans for the new development will provide additional galleries, new open access stores/study facilities and dedicated spaces for lifelong learning, education, outreach services and arts development programmes. There will also be an expanded events/performance space, and a new larger ground floor cafe and shop.
The scheme will also provide a more prominent entrance to the art gallery and museum, and create a new footpath to Cheltenham's oldest building, medieval St. Mary's Church, from Clarence Street through to Chester Walk.
The art gallery and museum will close to the public on 1 April 2011, for the collections to be decanted into storage. Contractors are scheduled to be on site from the end of June 2011 and it is hoped that the new building will open in late 2012/early 2013.
DRAFT Cllr Steve Jordan, says: "This is fantastic news for Cheltenham and for the council, and we are thrilled to receive the full award of £750k from the HLF. There is still a long way to go before we achieve our vision, however when the work has been completed, the new art gallery and museum will make a huge difference to local residents and visitors, and also to this part of our town."
Cllr Andrew McKinlay, continues: "This huge redevelopment scheme will create a 'first stop' for visitors to Cheltenham with the re-location of the Tourist Information Centre in the new building, and a focal point for the development of a 'cultural quarter' in the town. We are very pleased to get such a good outcome from the HLF."
Graham Lockwood, Chair of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum Development Trust, continues: "This great success is a tribute to the professionalism of Jane Lillystone and her team and to the vision of the council. The award is also an endorsement of the ambition and quality of the scheme which deserves the fullest possible support from our community as we seek the funds to ensure completion of the final stages. I am sure the town will be proud of the finished development.”
Nerys Watts, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “This project will transform Cheltenham Art Galley and Museum, revitalising the existing galleries and public spaces and offering new opportunities for visitors from near and far to enjoy the magnificent collections, whilst creating a new venue that can host national and international touring collections. Thanks to this HLF award, this vision has come a step closer.”
A total of £5.4million has now been raised out of the £6.3million target and the outstanding amount of £919,000 has been underwritten by Cheltenham Borough Council. However, the trustees from the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum Development Trust are still actively seeking to raise funds to cover the underwriting, through various applications to other charitable trusts and foundations and the launch of a public fundraising campaign from May 2011
Notes to editors
Find out more about the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.
To find out more about the development scheme, read one of the following documents:
Further information
Laura Carter, Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum Communications Officer on 01242 775 037 or laura.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk.