New artist’s impressions show how a revamped Potteries Museum & Art Gallery could look following a £5m investment.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council secured the money last year from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England.
It marks the third phase of a masterplan and builds on work to co-locate the new Spitfire Gallery and the City’s Archive to an integrated ‘collections hub’.
Since securing the current investment, the council has been working with architects to develop plans to transform the popular attraction.
The new images are being used to encourage views from the public, and visitors to the museum, before the construction work starts in 2025.
Five key parts of the proposal are:
New entrance
This will create a better sense of connection with the Cultural Quarter. A new entrance at the side of the museum will also increase visibility for visitors walking from Hanley or parking at Tesco.
Artist in residence room
As a museum which holds internationally significant collections, this space will allow artists to work alongside and create artworks inspired by our renowned objects.
Open Storage
As the collections grow it is important that storage capacity is increased. This design will mean artefacts that aren’t on display are not hidden but can still be seen by the public.
New location for the cafe
Moving the cafe to the foyer area will create a vibrant atmosphere for visitors as they arrive and connect our indoor spaces with the outside landscape.
Terraced Area
The moated area around the front of the museum will be capped over to provide a terraced area to create a more inviting space.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of the council and cabinet member for strategy, economic development, culture and sport, said: “It’s wonderful to see these first images. They’re being featured on information boards in the museum and gallery so people can share their views.
“The plan is to create a striking building and new spaces to showcase our city’s world class museum collections while enhancing the experience for visitors.
“If you’re in the area, please pop in and share your views on these designs and be part of work to confirm Stoke-on-Trent’s status as an international cultural visitor destination.”
A planning application is being submitted this week.
More details on the plans can be found here.
