The Grade II* Victorian art gallery, by architect Julius Chatwin, required a careful intervention and refurbishment to make the building, in particular the entrance, accessible to all, improve the café and dining offer, and to provide more flexibility in the gallery and circulation spaces to meet future requirements.

The City of Wolverhampton Council appointed Rock Townsend to undertake a detailed study to identify proposals to increase overall visitor numbers and revenues to improve the long term financial viability of the gallery.

The design sees a level access created at St. Peter’s Close western entrance by elevating the external ground level and the omission of step.  Internally, the entrance foyer now incorporates a ramp and stepped approach transitioning between the new pavement level and ground floor.

The café and associated main kitchen is relocated to the ground floor.  Through a series of sliding doors the atrium and gallery can be closed and the restaurant and bar areas can be accessed through the entrance hall maximising flexibility of use whilst ensuring adequate security.  The new space is a light an airy with direct visual connection with the high street enticing visitors and diners alike in.

For more views of the cafe and other new spaces watch the ‘New spaces opening’ video here, and the ‘Flythough’ video here!

Summary