Wildgoose Construction has been appointed to deliver a £6.7 million museum expansion project in Northampton.

The company will carry out redevelopment works at Northampton's Museum and Art Gallery on Guildhall Road to more than double the available public space. Construction is set to start this month and completion is set for spring 2020.

Features of the project will include:

• A new 380m2 temporary exhibitions gallery, capable of hosting major touring exhibitions and in-house collections, many focusing on Northampton's past

• A new Shoe Gallery showcasing the internationally-important shoe collection

• A new entrance reception and shop

• A new café with outdoor terrace seating

• A selling gallery, with a focus on Northampton and Northamptonshire artists and makers

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• A dedicated schools and activity space

• A Central Hall major events space

• A refurbished art gallery, new visitor facilities (toilets etc) and a loading bay and logistics area.

The first phase of work will involve demolishing a bridge connecting the Guildhall Road building and Old Gaol Block, both formerly parts of County Hall. In addition, it will involve the transformation of the former museum buildings and integration of the Old Gaol Block and part of the Guildhall Road block.

Cllr Anna King, Cabinet member for engagement and community safety, said: "This is a key milestone in a vital project for our Cultural Quarter, and our town centre.

"The new museum will not only be a place to learn about and celebrate Northampton's rich history, it will also be a fitting showcase for our internationally important shoe collections.

"There will also be a much more social element, offering people a wonderful space in which to meet and socialise, and it will offer plenty to interest families. I know that this project is behind the original schedule, but we want to create a stunning new facility so we absolutely have to get it right."

Wildgoose chairman, Jonathan Wildgoose, said: "We are delighted to be involved with this historic build in Northampton to refurbish and extend the museum and art gallery and we are sure that, once completed, this will be a building that the town will be proud of."

(LM/CM)