Swansea's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery to receive £6 Million facelift from Opco29th January 2013

Opco is to start major structural work in February on a £6 million project to refurbish Swansea’s historic Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, a Grade II* Listed Building that dates back to 1911. 

The 65-week project includes extensive alteration works to the 1970s wing, the conservation of the original 1911 gallery, and an extension to the rear of the Alexandra Road buildings.

The refurbishment will also include a new entrance and shop at street level into the 1970s wing, a new passenger lift, more space for displays and exhibitions, a new lecture space and community room, a new welcome area for learning programmes, and a dedicated library and archive.

 It’s expected the gallery will re-open in the autumn of 2014. The gallery building is temporarily closed throughout the works, but an extensive programme of off-site activities and workshops is ongoing.

The refurbishment project is being funded by the Welsh Government, including £550,000 from the Swansea Regeneration Area programme, the Arts Council of Wales and Swansea Council. Money has also been secured through the Building Enhancement Programme grant scheme run by Swansea Council and funded by European Regional Development Fund. The architects for the scheme are Powell Dobson of Swansea.

The gallery is also supported by a £576,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a learning and participation programme relating to the original Glynn Vivian bequest. This will take place off-site but there'll also be new displays when the gallery re-opens.

Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “A great deal of preparation has already taken place to pave the way for this exciting refurbishment scheme, but the start of major structural works on site next month means we’ll soon be able to see tangible progress.

“This scheme strikes a balance between preserving the original character of the building and providing a visitor experience that’s befitting of the 21st Century. When complete, it will help Swansea cement its status as a leading city of culture.”

Nigel Coulter, Opco’s Regional Managing Director, said: “The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery plays a pivotal part in promoting life-long learning and encouraging the public to explore the rich cultural and art history of Swansea and Wales while providing a wide range of free exhibitions, events and activities. It’s an iconic and important building that’s universally recognised as being of high architectural and historic significance.”