Contractor appointed to start 'Building for a New Future'

The site is currently being prepared with the installation of external hoardings, ready for building work to start later this month.
 
The exciting and ambitious plans for the new development will provide additional galleries, new open access stores/study facilities and dedicated spaces for lifelong learning, education, outreach services and arts development programmes. Cheltenham Tourist Information Centre will also be re-located into the new building, enabling the council to make significant cost savings. There will also be a new larger ground floor cafe and shop, including an expanded events and performance space.
 
The scheme also provides a more prominent entrance to the Art Gallery & Museum and creates a new footpath to Cheltenham's oldest building, medieval St. Mary's Church, from Clarence Street to Chester Walk.

Councillor Steve Jordan, the council’s leader said:  ‘’This is a giant step forward for the redevelopment and I am pleased to welcome the team from ISG. We have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes to get to this point and I am looking forward to what lies ahead.’’

John Rawlinson, ISG’s South West managing director, commented: “The planned redevelopment of Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum has taken significant time, energy and fundraising efforts to reach this stage and we are delighted to be playing a pivotal role in this important regional development. This landmark building will not only enhance public accessibility to the art and museum collections but will also enable Cheltenham to become a key venue for national and international touring exhibitions.”

It is hoped that the new building will be open by Spring 2013.  For regular updates on the redevelopment work and to find out more about the continuing off-site programme of events, visit the AG&M website or call 01242 237431.

For media enquiries, contact: Katie Sandey, communications team leader, telephone 01242 775050, email katie.sandey@cheltenham.gov.uk

Notes for the editor:

AG&M

· £5.4 million has been raised so far for the regeneration out of the overall target of £6.3 million - and a public fundraising campaign is being launched shortly – more details to follow
· The Art Gallery & Museum - in partnership with local schools - is proposing to create a stunning living artwork around the external hoardings which is both a celebration of the heritage of the museum site and a vision for the future. Media are welcome to be involved.
 · Keep up to date with the Art Gallery & Museum’s outreach work which continues during the redevelopment. Visit or for even more information, events and competitions, follow the AG&M on twitter or search for the AG&M on facebook.

ISG

· ISG (Interior Services Group plc) delivers fit out, construction and management services. They operate throughout the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia.