Historic Stalybridge art gallery ready for £1.8m makeover, but 'the intention is not to over
The Astley Cheetham Art Gallery and Library in Stalybridge is set to undergo a significant transformation with a £1.8m makeover. The Grade-II listed building, known for its Jacobean Revival style, has been closed temporarily to allow for improvements to access and the interior spaces.
The renovation plans include the refurbishment of the library and art gallery areas, with new wall, floor, and ceiling finishes, as well as the installation of a new platform lift and an accessible toilet. These updates aim to restore the building's original dignity and quality while avoiding over-modernization, ensuring that the character and significance of the listed building are preserved.
The project is part of a wider regeneration plan for Stalybridge's cultural quarter and historical assets, following the recent renovation of the adjacent Civic Hall. With its focus on enhancing the existing qualities of the space, the renovation of the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery and Library promises to revitalize this historic venue, making it more accessible and enjoyable for the public.