Museum exhibition spaces at The Wilson Cheltenham Art Gallery And Museum, Cheltenham

What was proposed

The application proposed internal refurbishment, exhibition redevelopment and associated enabling works in selected gallery spaces.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL 1.1 The Wilson Gallery & Museum is a prominent Grade II listed museum and gallery located within Cheltenham town centre. The building forms an important cultural, civic and heritage asset within the borough. It accommodates museum collections, exhibition spaces. Galleries, interpretation areas, visitor facilities and operational accommodation associated with the ongoing cultural use of the site.”

“The Victorian Wing previously underwent refurbishment works during 2024.The Cheltenham Trust has since secured additional grant funding to undertake the final phase of redevelopment works required to prepare the exhibition spaces for the reintroduction of museum collections and associated visitor interpretation. The proposed works comprise internal refurbishment, exhibition redevelopment and associated enabling works within selected gallery spaces and associated areas.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the limited internal works heritage-sensitive, with no structural intervention, no harm to the listed building and improved public access.

“OFFICER COMMENTS 6.1 The proposal internal refurbishment and exhibition works within the interior of the building have been carefully designed to preserve the significance, character and special architectural interest. The proposal are limited in scope, entirely internal in nature and do not involve any structural intervention.”

“The proposed alterations adopt a heritage-sensitive approach based upon minimal intervention principles, sensitive fixing methodologies and the protection of historic fabric throughout all of works. The works will preserve the principal significance of the listed building and will not adversely affect its architectural, historic or communal interest.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Building Control advised that Building Regulations approval might be required, while no public comments were received.

“Building Control 21st May 2026 - This application may require Building Regulations approval. Please contact the office on 01242 264321 or buildingcontrol@cheltenham.gov.uk for further information.”

“PUBLICITY AND REPRESENTATIONS Number of letters sent Total comments received 0 Number of objections 0 Number of supporting 0 General comment 0”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Conservation Officer introduced the report, and two councillors proposed and seconded accepting the recommendation.

Member discussion

Members described the proposed development as positive before voting on the motion to grant consent.

“The matter then went to Member debate where the following points were made: - It was noted that this was a positive development.”

“Councillor Wheeler put forwards a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation to grant. This was seconded by Councillor Andrews.”

Minutes

Conditions of consent

The consent required commencement within three years, compliance with approved plans and matching materials for disturbed surfaces.

“The listed building consent hereby granted shall be begun not later than the expiration of three years from the date of this decision.”

“All disturbed surfaces shall be made good using materials to match the existing materials, composition, form, finish and colour of the existing building.”

Officer report