Arts Council England Praises Progress On £5m Potteries Museum Transformation

Arts Council England has praised progress on the £5m transformation of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley after visiting the site.

Members of the Arts Council's Capital team were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the work by the city's Head of Museums, Ben Miller, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said.

The visit was organised by James Doble, the council's director of legal, governance, culture and heritage. The visitors were welcomed by staff from the contractor, Seddon.

The project is supported by £5m from Arts Council England's Cultural Development Fund.

It includes a new corner entrance, a new foyer café bar and shop with an open terrace, a dedicated space for artists in residence and improvements to visitor facilities.

One member of the Capital team said: "It was fantastic to see the upgrade of this special venue taking shape, the positive working relationship between the contractor and museum teams, and to hear some of the stories and detail behind the project.

"The museum is incredibly valuable to arts and culture provision at both a city and regional level, can't wait to visit again when it re-opens!"

The Arts Council team also described the scheme as "a wonderful opportunity for Hanley and Stoke", according to the council.

Cllr Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty, governance and corporate services, said: "This is one of the most significant cultural investments in the city for many years.

"It's fantastic to see the progress being made and the positive feedback from Arts Council England as this landmark project continues to take shape."

The council's announcement did not give a date for the museum to reopen.

Six Towns Daily will provide further updates if more information is released by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.