Work begins on final phase of gallery redevelopment

8.11.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 7th Aug 2007

Work is underway on the final phase of the redevelopment of Richmond Council's flagship art gallery.

Builders returned to Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham this week to begin the conversion of the dilapidated stables block into a gallery space, artists' workshop and café. Once work is completed in the New Year, the state-of-the-art, £1.1m centre will house the gallery's growing education programme and boost hands-on arts provision for the entire community. The sensitive transformation of the listed site will continue with the stalls from the North Stable retained as seating areas for the café. The main gallery will be upgraded with improved wheelchair access, a new reception area and better signage. A tree planting programme and landscaping of the gallery grounds will complement the building work. The Heritage Lottery Fund has granted almost £850,000 towards the redevelopment of the stables and courtyard, with the Council and private benefactors supplying the rest of the cash.

Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure on Richmond Council, said: "It is a hugely exciting time at Orleans House Gallery after three years of very hard work. The opening of the Coach House Education Centre has already helped cement the gallery's reputation for excellence and innovation in arts provision. We are confident that this final phase, and the café in particular, will boost visitor numbers, attract a wider audience and enhance the gallery's standing as one of South West London's premier exhibition spaces."