Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced the next phase of a £4.3m restoration project at the Grade II* listed Southampton City Art Gallery, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of one of the city's most important cultural landmarks.
The tier one contractor began the first phase of the restoration in July 2024, working in partnership with Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council.
The project includes extensive re-roofing and refurbishment works across multiple phases, all while ensuring minimal disruption to the connected civic facilities.
During the first phase of works at the gallery, which is in the Southampton City Council Civic Centre, a significant engineering achievement was realised with the installation of one of the UK’s largest single-span independent scaffolded roof systems, spanning the West Wing Galleries. This pioneering solution facilitated the intricate removal of the existing ventilation plant, asphalt roofing, and roof lights, while safeguarding the gallery’s nationally important art collection.
The refurbishment has also included installing insulated asphalt roofing and conserving double-glazed rooflights, which were carefully designed to enhance the building’s sustainability while preserving its historic character.
Additionally, a new air-conditioning system was installed to ensure more stable climate conditions throughout the year. A sustainable ventilation system was created within the gallery and integrated with the city's geothermal infrastructure for improved energy efficiency.
The work that has been undertaken to date means that the West Wing phase is nearing completion. Following the gallery’s closure on 22 February, refurbishment will now begin on the main and East Wing galleries, including reglazing works. The West Wing will gradually reopen from 5 April, while the main and East Wing galleries are scheduled to reopen in early 2026.
The project has been supported by a £2.23m grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development (MEND) Fund, administered by Arts Council England.
This follows on from recent high-profile works delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction's South business, with St Mark’s Church of England (CofE) School completing in the winter of 2022, which was Southampton’s first 4-16 all through school. Morgan Sindall has also been appointed to deliver the Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre masterplan, with preparation works soon to be begin on-site.
Clifford Kinch, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: "We are extremely proud be delivering this significant restoration project at Southampton City Art Gallery, which is about more than just repairs and upgrades - it’s about safeguarding a vital cultural landmark for future generations.
“The scale and complexity of the work, particularly the installation of one of the UK’s largest free-standing scaffold roof spans, showcases Morgan Sindall’s expertise in delivering intricate heritage projects with care and precision. It‘s fantastic to work alongside our partners to ensure Southampton City Art Gallery continues to inspire and engage visitors for years to come.”
Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of the Council, said: “We're thrilled this work can take place with the support of DCMS and ACE funding to preserve this nationally important gallery. We know that visitors will be disappointed that this Southampton jewel is going to be closed for a while but do come and visit us when we are able to open the doors in the intervening months; and when we fully reopen in 2026 to view our incredible collection.”
Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England, South West, said: “Southampton is a place of strategic importance to Arts Council England and we’re proud to invest in the City Art Gallery's journey towards a fully accessible public collection. We know museums and galleries provide a vital space for the public to discover the past, engage with the present, and imagine new possibilities for the future. The same is true online and once digitized, each work will be preserved for both local and international audiences to enjoy.”
