Preparatory work will begin on the Grade II listed Lower Campfield Market Hall this September as plans are underway for the historic collections to be moved.
This follows the announcement in July, that the Science and Industry Museum will vacate the lease on the building, which houses the Air and Space Hall, from owners Manchester City Council.
Working with Manchester based Buttress Architects, who specialise in heritage projects, the building will undergo some temporary adjustments, including the removal of part of the Liverpool Road elevation and glazing to prepare for moving the objects-of-scale that have been part of the Air and Space Hall exhibition. Three parking bays on Liverpool Road will be suspended for a short time while work takes place, but disruption will be kept to a minimum. Pedestrian access around the site will be maintained.
The museum is working with specialists to help with the transport and packing to ensure that the objects of scale are moved safely. The museum has also taken on extra conservation experts and a project manager to oversee the work.
Most of the bikes, planes and cars on display will be able to be seen in future displays in new locations around the UK as they return from loan to their home organisations. The objects from the Science Museum Group collection will be included in future displays and stories, including 1905 Rolls-Royce motor car, used by Henry Royce himself, which is currently on display in the Revolution Manchester gallery.
Discover more about the museum’s long-term restoration programme here, and read about the history of Lower Campfield Market Hall here.
