Scheme will add new entrance and galleries

Purcell has been appointed to take forward £12.7m plans for an extension at the Manchester Museum after it won planning and listed building consent.

The museum forms part of the University of Manchester’s, historic complex of grade II and II* buildings.

Purcell’s design will double capacity with two new galleries, a new entrance to improve visibility and better visitor facilities.

A metal canopy will announce the museum’s new street-facing entrance, on Bridgeford Street, replacing the existing entrance currently accessed via Coupland Street.

The new galleries are expected to open to the public in the autumn of 2020.