Planning Permission Granted for Kettering Gallery, Library and Museum

Posted 2nd February 2021

Following a significant investment from the Government’s new “Getting Building Fund”, national architectural practice, GSSArchitecture, are delighted to announce that they have secured planning permission for the refurbishment, redevelopment and extension of the Alfred East Art Gallery, Kettering Library and Manor House Museum for Kettering Borough Council.

GSSArchitecture were appointed as Architects through Lot 1 of the Pagabo Professional Services Framework, alongside Faithful + Gould who are providing Cost Management and Quantity Surveying services on the project.

The Grade II Listed Alfred East Art Gallery was built over 100 years ago, with the original designs being drawn up by John A. Gotch, the founder of GSSArchitecture. With their history in Kettering stretching back over 140 years, and their Head Office based just down the road from the Museum, GSSArchitecture are in an excellent position to deliver this exciting project which will see the beginning of the ambitious plans to regenerate Kettering town centre.

William Assheton, Partner at the Practice and Architect Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC), is leading the project which will see the integration of the Gallery, Library and Museum, as well as an extension to the rear of the building, which will provide step-free access from the existing car park. These significant works to the three historic, listed buildings will require careful planning and consideration by GSSArchitecture’s specialist Heritage team, so that the existing key facilities can be preserved and enhanced for the use and enjoyment of the public. 

Once complete, the entire site will be renamed Kettering GLaM to mark the Gallery, Library and Museum becoming one unified site. Externally, the proposal seeks to further connect the three buildings through the creation of a new piazza, as well as opening up the existing landscape to draw people through the spaces, making this an attractive new area for the public to enjoy. 

Speaking of their recent appointment and plans for this exciting scheme, William Assheton said, “We are delighted that GSS have this opportunity to return to a site where the founder of the Practice worked over 100 years ago, to continue building upon the great work that John A. Gotch carried out in Northamptonshire. Having recently delivered similar upgrades to the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, we are pleased to once again be working on a project that is of such historical and cultural significance to the county.”

Rochelle Mathieson, Head of Commercial Development at Kettering Borough Council, said, “This exciting investment will act as a catalyst for change, supporting our local economy to thrive, and for our residents and visitors to enjoy an improved cultural facility. Cultural-led regeneration is a fundamental element of delivering Kettering Town Centre’s vision to be a vibrant place at the heart of the community that is characterful, distinctive, and fun. We are thrilled to be working with GSSArchitecture on this project”.

If you would like to know more about GSSArchitecture, or to keep up to date with the latest news on this and other projects, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com