Project Overview
Description
Legacy project: delivered as part of our long-standing arts & heritage portfolio. The Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the University of Manchester and is home to some of the UK's finest collections of art and design, with its collections being designated as of outstanding national importance. The project transformed the gallery through a high-profile new-build extension and refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed building, creating a 21st-century ’gallery in the park’ that enhanced public access and increased exhibition capacity to achieve long-term sustainability for one of the UK’s most important university art collections.
Our role
We were appointed as Project Manager, providing full project delivery from briefing through to completion under a JCT Design & Build procurement route. Following the successful NLHF Round Two award, we supported the client in securing additional partnership funding, managed all funder obligations, reporting and drawdowns, and liaison with NLHF. We were responsible for the management of all elements of the project delivery including the client's direct works and all project costs, and acting as Contract Administrator for part of the project to ensure progress was in line with programme and contractual requirements.
Scope and Outcomes
Key Outcomes - Delivery of a landmark gallery extension within a sensitive listed context - Enhanced public access to nationally important collections - Long-term improvement to exhibition capacity and visitor experience - Strengthened cultural and civic presence within Manchester - Successful management of complex funder requirements and reporting
