NEWS: EXCITING COOPER GALLERY EXTENSION MOVES AHEAD

Artist impression of the new Cooper Gallery extension.

It is exciting times for the Cooper Gallery as construction of the new extension looks set to begin this month. The work is estimated to take approximately 30 weeks and will be followed by the internal re-fit of the gallery spaces, to create new family friendly displays.

Architects GHM have designed the new stunning extension at the rear of the building, which will be accessible from Eastgate, while F Parkinson has been appointed as build contractor. The new layout will extend the space in the gallery and vastly improve the visitor experience. It will include the restoration of the original entrance to the building on Church Street.

The building work has been made possible following a successful funding bid by Barnsley Museums towards their Creating Connections project. The Heritage Lottery Fund, who has awarded the grant of £638,000 towards a project, allows the building to be transformed completely, re-orientating the existing structure and introducing new and effective ways of engaging audiences with the heritage of the collection and the building itself.

Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “This extension will provide wonderful spaces in which a much larger proportion of the gallery’s fine art collections can be displayed, to be enjoyed by everyone who visits.”

The new building is due to open to the public by Easter 2016.

For more information about the project or exhibitions and events taking place please visit www.cooper-gallery.com.