Manchester – Manchester Art Gallery is set for major renovation works to address “significant” issues with damp and leaks in the iconic building.
The council-owned gallery, opened in 1823, will receive £2.6 million funding at a council meeting on Wednesday as part of a £4.1 million total budget.
Additional funds will refurbish the grade-I listed Mosley Street venue, home to works by L.S. Lowry and Pierre Adolphe Valette.
Scaffolding recently erected has uncovered “significant problems” with damp, water ingress, windows, heating and security in the basement, a council report states.
Other works will tackle water ingress in the atrium and gallery ceilings and lighting.
Deputy council leader Luthfur Rahman said maintenance issues were “inevitable” for such an old building and could not be ignored.
The on-site work aims to address the problems while improving public toilets and collection storage, he added.
The report also revealed surging ingredient costs are likely to lead to price rises at the gallery cafe.
A new pricing model from April will see a 10% increase in catering and events charges. The venue hosted 21 weddings last year.
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Coun Rahman said the free gallery “works hard” to make the cafe affordable amid rising costs.
“Sadly we can’t escape the fact costs have gone up and prices will have to rise accordingly,” he said. “We will keep prices as low as possible whilst maintaining high standards.”
The gallery is a top cultural attraction but has suffered access issues requiring urgent fixes. The renovation aims to secure its long-term future.
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