FURTHER details for the ‘Museum of Two Halves’ project in Wrexham have been revealed as the planning application has been submitted.
That is the name given to describe the development of the Football Museum for Wales and a new Wrexham Museum in the current museum building on Regent Street in Wrexham.
Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee is soon set to review these plans.
The Welsh Government recently announced they are “providing a further £5.45m” for the new Football Museum for Wales.
Purcell (Architects, Heritage Consultants, and Masterplanners) have now submitted applications for planning and listed building consent to Wrexham Council to transform Wrexham County Borough Museum on Regent Street, Wrexham, into the new home for the Football Museum for Wales and a new museum for Wrexham.
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The applications are the result of over 12 months’ work by Purcell, exhibition designers Haley Sharpe Design, and the museum staff who form the ‘Museum of Two Halves’ project team to develop the plans to the necessary detail required for a planning application for a Grade II Listed Building in the Grosvenor Road Conservation Area.
The application sets out the plans for:
• The creation of a suite of galleries for the Football Museum for Wales and the new Wrexham Museum
• The design of a new learning suite and special exhibitions gallery
• The creation of a double-height atrium with a lift and stairwell in the centre of the building to ensure improved orientation and full access for all visitors to the first floor
• The conversion of the former exercise yard into additional gallery space and to improve the visitor journey around the galleries
• The creation of a well-being garden adjacent to the learning suite
• The landscaping of the museum forecourt makes it a more welcoming and ‘greener’ space for visitors to the museum and café, while ensuring its continued role as part of the museum offer for outside events
• Improved external signage
PICS: How inside of Wrexham's new-look museum could look.
Cllr Paul Roberts, lead member for Community Safety and Partnerships, added: “This planning application is another important step forward on our journey towards creating a Football Museum for Wales here in Wrexham, alongside an enhanced museum for the county borough.
"I have been following closely the development of these plans, including the public consultation held in October and the ongoing involvement of statutory bodies such as Cadw. I would like to thank the Welsh Government for their support in enabling the ‘Museum of Two Halves’ project to reach this stage.”
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The proposals involve the construction of two modest extensions; one to replace the current central area with a double height circulation and introductory space with clear wayfinding and inclusive access to all the museum facilities and one to create additional gallery space at ground and first-floor level which improves visitor flow.
The contemporary designs, clad in zinc, sit below existing ridge lines to minimise impact, both to the listed building and to the setting within the townscape.
Purcell Partner, Jane Roylance, said: “Purcell are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with Wrexham Council, supporting HSD and the project sponsors to achieve their vision for a Football Museum for Wales and Wrexham Museum; an iconic building in the heart of historic Wrexham.”
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