Members will be delighted to know that at last good progress is being made with the long-delayed Lift and Toilet Upgrade project. The Lift itself has already been purchased and tendering for the building and installation work is in hand.  The contract for this is expected to be signed by mid-September and the Lift brought into public use in March 2012.

This is a major project, and although most of the building work associated with the Lift will be retained within a relatively small area, steps will be taken to minimise any noise, vibration, and dust which may occur.  The Assyrian Reliefs will need protection from vibration, the French Gallery will be affected requiring a subsequent re-hang, and all ceramics and glass will have to be put into temporary store.

Most of the disruption will occur from September-November.  After the Beryl Cook exhibition ends on 26 August there is no exhibition planned for the ground floor Exhibition Gallery until the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year starts later in November.

The Lift Shaft will be constructed on the outside wall of the building in the gap between the Museum and the Wills Tower, eg with access to it on the ground floor near the existing cloaks area (right-hand side going in past the reception desk).  The lift will extend from the basement to the top Gallery floor

Upgrade of the toilet facilities will include an extra W/C, increased facilities for baby feeding and changing, a disabled area, and improved privacy.

Visit the News page for regular updates as the work progresses.

(This item added 20 July 2011)