Refurbishment of The Wilson will create hub for community
» THIS week the government announced that covid19 restrictions will be eased as the roadmap out of lockdown moves to step three.
As part of this easing, museums and galleries will be able to re-open from Monday, May 17.
As the Cheltenham Trust has previously reported, The Wilson will not re-open from May 17 as it is to undergo a major refurbishment programme following a significant bequest from The Charles Irving Trust.
This bequest will enable the creation of an exciting community arts gallery on the first floor mezzanine and a vibrant arts café on the ground floor, bringing much needed space for Cheltenham to host an eclectic mix of cultural events and activities.
These new spaces will enable Cheltenham’s local artists and creative community to showcase their work and to host cultural events and groups, creating a vibrant community hub with talks and workshops, live music, children’s activities, exhibitions and events.
Artists and the creative community have been invited to contact the trust to register interest in displaying in the new community gallery and being part of the exciting new cultural programme.
If you would like to express an interest email us at communications@ cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
Contractors invited to tender for the refurbishment has resulted in a shortlist of two potential contractors. It is anticipated that the Trust will be in a position to award the tender to the preferred supplier shortly.
The tender process highlighted the opportunity to deliver an enhanced and expanded scheme for The Wilson, including the creation of much needed artists’ studios.
The Trust is actively seeking additional funding to deliver the expanded scheme that will ensure a more financially sustainable model for The Wilson as a prominent visitor destination for Cheltenham.
Based on the scale of the refurbishment, The Wilson is unlikely to re-open before Christmas 2021. The aim is to complete the works and re-open by April 1 2022.
This enhanced refurbishment will establish The Wilson as a key element of the new digital, media and culture zone being created in the town around The Minster, with work starting soon on the development of the new Minster Exchange business innovation park, bordering the art gallery and museum.
The innovative refurbishment will be worth waiting for as it will create a lively and colourful hub for the community and visitors to the town to be inspired, to explore, to experience and enjoy.