Art gallery awarded £1.7m for repair scheme

The money would help safeguard the art gallery for future generations, City of Wolverhampton Council said

An art gallery has been awarded nearly £1.7m in government funding that will go towards a repair project.

The money will be used to safeguard the Wolverhampton Art Gallery building and collections, as part of a scheme that will restore stonework and see the roof and chimneys repaired.

The project would also include "upgrading systems to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability and reliability", City of Wolverhampton Council said.

Council cabinet member Chris Burden said the authority was "delighted" to receive the funding, which would help safeguard the art gallery "for future generations".

He added: "This investment ensures the preservation of our historic building and collections while enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency."

About 30 museums will receive a share of £24.8m via the Museum Estate and Development Fund, with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) providing money.

Arts Council England administers, awards and monitors the grants from the fund.

Midlands area director at Arts Council England Peter Knott said: "We want people across the Midlands and beyond to experience, enjoy, discover and learn from our fantastic regional museums and galleries.

"Through their history and collections, they can provide connection and help us to make sense of the world around us."