Museum Transforms with £5m Makeover Underway

Construction is underway for a £5 million redevelopment of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Appointed construction company Seddon is leading the project, which aims to modernize the cultural asset.

The transformative plans encompass a new museum entrance, a welcoming foyer cafe, and significantly improved public spaces. Preparatory work has concluded, with main construction commencing this month. The museum is scheduled to commence a phased reopening starting March 28th.

Further enhancements include expanded open storage facilities, allowing more artifacts to be accessible to visitors. A dedicated artist-in-residence room will be established, promoting collaboration between artists and the museum's collections, thereby strengthening the connection between historical heritage and contemporary culture.

This substantial investment is funded by a £5 million grant from the Cultural Development Fund, a joint initiative supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Councillor Sarah Hill emphasized the project's importance in safeguarding a vital cultural institution for Stoke-on-Trent.