Museum project almost complete

MAJOR extension work to the Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery by Manchester-based Armitage Construction is nearing completion.

The £600,000-plus ‘Into the Future’ project, approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund Organisation and which began in September last year, comprises a two-storey front extension for increased exhibition space as well as creating a strong presence in the town.

In fact the extension on the front takes the building back to its original position on the High Street.

A single storey side extension improves the entrance space creating a new reception and retail areas. Internal alterations provide a lift to the existing former mill buildings giving the building full disabled access and the Museum and Art Gallery are now fully refurbished.

The existing roof has been insulated and new double-glazed timber windows with a sun cool glass system have been installed to match the profile of the old decayed windows.

The new retail area and reception have been moved from their original positions and are now housed together on a raised area overlooking the exhibition spaces.
 
And a matching staircase has been introduced for easy access to the first floor galleries and exhibition area; standing side-by-side with the modern glazed balustrade that surrounds the atrium.

“The end result is stunning,” said Armitage Construction director Andrea Armitage, speaking from the company’s Ancoats HQ.  “The project improves access to the museum and art gallery and I am positive the development will result in a significant boost to visitor numbers.

“Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery first opened in 1962 but remain a popular venue for visitors and tourists more than 50 years on.”