CHICHESTER.- Pallant House Gallery has appointed award-winning practice Wright & Wright Architects to create a new collections centre and improve the visitor experience at their site in Chichester, UK. The London-based practice, which is known for its expertise in archives, libraries and galleries, was selected to lead the multi-disciplinary design team having been selected from a five-strong shortlist following an OJEU process. The other four shortlisted practices were Baines and Mitchell, Carmody Groake, HAT Projects, and ZMMA.

With a strong community programme and the desire to improve and expand facilities whilst providing greater accessibility for both visitors and staff, the gallery instigated the process following the recent acquisition of a 19th century Coach House. Wright & Wright’s scope is to create a new collections centre in the Coach House to better preserve the gallery’s internationally celebrated collection of Modern British art. Working with the gallery, Wright & Wright will transform existing spaces to enhance the visitor experience; create new learning, gallery and back of house spaces; improve accessibility for staff and the general public; and build on the gallery’s existing sustainability credentials.

Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery said ‘We are delighted to be working with Wright & Wright Architects to develop Pallant House Gallery’s ambitious plans for the future. With such significant existing historic and modern architecture at the heart of a beautiful conservation area, we felt that Wright & Wright were the best practice to develop bold plans that will be sensitive and thoughtful, enabling us to better serve the needs of our diverse audiences and community, and to better care for and present our internationally-significant collection.’

Stephen Smith, Partner at Wright & Wright Architects said: ‘Wright & Wright are delighted to be appointed to develop designs with Pallant House Gallery; as they aspire to open up to new and creative opportunities for display, collection care and public access. The project will deliver a new layer to a remarkable set of buildings.’

Additional appointments following the tender process include Focus Consultants to lead the project management of the capital project; Artelia as Quantity Surveyors; Alan Baxter & Associates as Heritage Consultants to produce a Statement of Significance and Conservation Management Plan; and Cultural Consulting Network to support with Audience Development and Interpretation.

The project is due to start on site in 2020 and is expected for completion in 2024.