Three phases of conservation work were conducted while the gallery was still in operation to transform the museum’s complex, narrow ‘backyard’ site to form a £10.6m new wing. We tested our design proposals by building a full-scale replica of one of the new spaces for the client team to experience.

The new wing houses two major fine art galleries, a sculpture gallery and a learning and media centre. It creates a new entrance and heart for the two complex listed buildings which faces onto the university campus opposite.

The three-storey extension is linked to the old gallery by a full-height, top-lit atrium which creates open circulation spaces and bridges.

The gallery boasts state-of-the-art exhibition spaces and houses the acclaimed Pop Art collection.

The extension includes a new café and reception areas.

Clearly contemporary, the new gallery wing reconciles the different elevations of its neighbouring buildings and sits comfortably in the Wolverhampton’s historic city centre.

Client: Wolverhampton City Council
Listing status: Grade II*
Funding: Heritage Lottery Fund
Construction value: £10.6m
Awards: RIBA Award 2008