Update on the Gallery refurbishment

An update on the planned Gallery refurbishment from Nick Rampley, Vice Principal, Morley College London:

The original scope of the works planned for the gallery and the D-block entailed significant demolition and other works in order to install a new lift to service the upper floors of the building. Unfortunately, when tenders were received the cost of doing so proved to be well beyond the budget we have available and the grant awarded by the Mayor of London's Skills for Londoners Capital Fund to support the project.

Very regrettably we have, despite detailed attempts to reduce the cost through “value engineering” measures, therefore had to withdraw this aspect of the project. In consequence, we are now working on a revised scope – one which will mean the Gallery will be fully accessible and can expand into the basement to meet the increased demand for exhibition space from our advanced and higher learning courses and where the building has much-improved toilets, but where alas there can be no lift access to the upper floors. Our architect and cost consultants are currently assessing the viability of this reduced scheme and we are working closely with the Mayor’s Office to secure the continued support on which the project depends.

While this planning work is being undertaken we are using the opportunity of the Gallery having to be closed to install temporary classrooms in the space to meet the needs of the curriculum. These will be replaced by newly created classrooms in the car park area when access is needed to commence the Gallery’s refurbishment

In the meantime, although the Gallery itself will remain closed to enable the renovation to go ahead, there will be a full programme of exhibitions and events in the main building and at off-site venues: keep an eye on the website and the Gallery Newsletter for information.

Nick Rampley, Vice Principal