Architect named for Manchester Museum extension

The University of Manchester has chosen London-based practice ZMMA to design and lead the construction of a 4,800 sq ft gallery for temporary exhibitions at the Manchester Musuem.

The project will see the museum expand within its existing footprint, into the courtyard off Coupland Street.

The university hopes to fund the £5m development through an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which it expects to submit later this year. Subject to funding, start on site is scheduled for 2016.

ZMMA will take the role of design co-ordinator and contract administrator, and will guide the HLF grant application.

The practice has previously worked on concepts for the V&A Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.

SimpsonHaugh & Partners completed an extension programme for the museum in 2003, which saw the development of three additional galleries and a new entrance. This included 2,000 sq ft for temporary exhibitions.

Manchester Museum is the UK’s largest university museum and attracts around 430,000 visitors each year. The site is on Oxford Road.

Architect practice Buttress has been overseeing the gallery refurbishment programme.