Purcell named on museum project

Purcell, an international architecture practice with studios in Liverpool and Manchester, has been named as architect for the Museum of Manchester’s £12.4m courtyard project.

The project will see a two-storey extension, a new main entrance and improved visitor facilities introduced to the museum on the city’s Oxford Road corridor.

A key feature of the project will be a permanent South Asia Gallery, created in partnership with the British Museum. Work is set to start in May 2018, with completion expected in early 2020.

Project architect Hannah Wooller said: “The new galleries at the museum will provide much needed improvements and will be an exemplar demonstration of high quality design in a historically sensitive cultural landmark. The practice is thrilled to be collaborating with Manchester University and we look forward to delivering an innovative response to this exciting site.”

Purcell’s museum experience includes work on the British Museum, the National Maritime Museum in London, the National Museum for the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, the National Mining Museum Scotland and St Fagans National History Museum in Wales.

The total cost of the courtyard project is expected to be £12.4m. In November 2015 the government committed £5m towards the South Asia Gallery. Manchester Museum has been successful in a first round application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the courtyard project and has received development funding of £406,400 to help progress its plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.