Construction work is set to begin on a £6.7m expansion of Northampton’s Museum and Art Gallery, following the appointment of a main contractor for the project.

The project – led by Northampton Borough Council – will see a dramatic transformation of Northampton’s Museum and Art Gallery, with a major expansion more than doubling the available public space.

Main elements of the expansion include a new 380sq m temporary exhibitions gallery capable of hosting major touring exhibitions and in-house collections, a Central Hall major events space and a refurbished art gallery.

A new café will also be built, alongside a dedicated schools and activity space and a range of new visitor facilities.

The first major element of work will be demolition of the bridge connecting the Guildhall Road building and Old Gaol Block, both formerly parts of County Hall.

Work will be carried out by Wildgoose Construction, which was announced winner of a tendering process on 11 September.

The company will begin on site later this month and the whole project is expected to complete by spring 2020.

“This is a key milestone in a vital project for our Cultural Quarter, and our town centre," said Cllr Anna King, cabinet member for engagement and community safety.

“The new museum will not only be a place to learn about and celebrate Northampton’s rich history, it will also be a fitting showcase for our internationally important shoe collections.

“There will also be a much more social element, offering people a wonderful space in which to meet and socialise, and it will offer plenty to interest families."