Raising the roof for Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum’s new extension
A ‘topping out’ ceremony will be held at 11am on Thursday 13 September 2012 to celebrate a key milestone in the redevelopment of Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum. Following significant progress on the main concrete frame, we are now in a position to begin installing the roof and this work will take place over the next few weeks.
Attending the ceremony will be key stakeholders and members of the project team.
With the roof in place, work can start on the installation of the main internal staircase and the construction of the outer walls.
Jane Lillystone, Museum, Arts and Tourism Manager, said: ‘’We are really pleased that construction on the new building has now reached this critical milestone. We are already putting together a whole host of exhibits for when it reopens. The countdown is getting closer and we are very excited.’’
Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture, said: “This really is an exciting moment, and it’s from this point that we’ll start to see a building emerge from the skeleton of steel and concrete. When it’s finished, the building will complement the surrounding conservation area, as well as providing a wonderful space to enjoy our important art and heritage collections. It’s a great project to be involved in.”
John Rawlinson, managing director for the South West region of ISG, the main contractor responsible for the delivery of the project, commented: “This construction milestone marks an important stage in the redevelopment programme with the completion of the highest element of the linked extension. The ceremony provides a great opportunity to bring together and acknowledge the hard work and commitment of key project stakeholders in bringing this important regional scheme to fruition.”
No. 51 Clarence Street
Substantial progress has already been made on the refurbishment works to No. 51 Clarence Street, one of the existing art gallery and museum buildings, which will accommodate the ground floor retail shop unit and the first floor study area. On the top floor a new informal arts space will be created for young people to use and exhibit their work, record music and showcase live music and performance sessions.
Fundraising appeal
A major public fundraising appeal will soon be launched through a dedicated online campaign called MyFace live (www.myfacelive.com) which will specifically raise support and funds towards creating the young people’s art space. People are invited to upload a portrait online (this can be a self-portrait or one of their family or friends) and donate an amount from £10 to £100. They will not only receive membership to MyFace live online, but they will also be part of a unique art exhibition, as their portrait will be projected onto the walls in the new public galleries when Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum re-opens next year.
The Art Gallery & Museum is scheduled to open from June 2013 - and an exciting programme of exhibitions and events are currently being planned
People can keep up to date on progress via the webcam. Just visit the Art Gallery & Museum's website: - and click on ‘Building for a New Future’.
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12 September 2012
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