Hull plans revamp of Ferens Art Gallery
Gallery could get new entrance to coincide with UK City of Culture 2017
Hull City Council is planning a £630,000 makeover of Ferens Art Gallery ahead of the UK City of Culture 2017 celebrations.
The council is looking for £9m for four schemes, including the art gallery revamp, that it is planning as part of the regeneration of Hull in the run-up to the city's turn as City of Culture in two years' time.
The council said the new entrance at the Ferens Art Gallery will provide the building with the environmental conditions to allow it to attract national and international exhibitions, including the Turner Prize.
The council is also proposing to invest £2.7m to redevelop the Hull New Theatre. Work on the theatre and Ferens Art Gallery will take about 12 months to complete, with the venues likely to close to the public during that time.
Stephen Brady, the leader of Hull City Council, said: “These plans are already the most fundamental and far-reaching the city has seen in over 70 years and this additional funding will only enhance what we want to achieve.
“It is essential that we are ready, not just for our year in the spotlight in 2017 but beyond this, creating a legacy that has tangible benefits to the city and its residents.
“We know that investment into these key areas is imperative to securing a prosperous future and this capital investment will increase visitors, helping to create much-needed jobs for the area.”
The proposals will be considered by the full council later this week, and are subject to funding and planning approval. The funding will come from existing resources.
The council has already committed to investing £2.9m in Ferens Art Gallery for a programme of work for the UK City of Culture in 2017, and £100,000 its museums service to develop a 2017 legacy programme.
The council is looking for £9m for four schemes, including the art gallery revamp, that it is planning as part of the regeneration of Hull in the run-up to the city's turn as City of Culture in two years' time.
The council said the new entrance at the Ferens Art Gallery will provide the building with the environmental conditions to allow it to attract national and international exhibitions, including the Turner Prize.
“We have huge ambitions and potential to attract
high-profile shows, but to do that we need to be fit, read and well equipped,” Simon
Green, the director of cultural services at Hull City Council, said.
“It’s really important that Hull steps up to the next level for 2017 and that we continue to be aspirational and ambitious beyond that.”
The council is also proposing to invest £2.7m to redevelop the Hull New Theatre. Work on the theatre and Ferens Art Gallery will take about 12 months to complete, with the venues likely to close to the public during that time.
Stephen Brady, the leader of Hull City Council, said: “These plans are already the most fundamental and far-reaching the city has seen in over 70 years and this additional funding will only enhance what we want to achieve.
“It is essential that we are ready, not just for our year in the spotlight in 2017 but beyond this, creating a legacy that has tangible benefits to the city and its residents.
“We know that investment into these key areas is imperative to securing a prosperous future and this capital investment will increase visitors, helping to create much-needed jobs for the area.”
The proposals will be considered by the full council later this week, and are subject to funding and planning approval. The funding will come from existing resources.
The council has already committed to investing £2.9m in Ferens Art Gallery for a programme of work for the UK City of Culture in 2017, and £100,000 its museums service to develop a 2017 legacy programme.