Ambitious new plans have been unveiled for The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, including an extension to the building and the gallery space.

In a brand-new prospectus, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has set out a range of proposals which involve the reinterpretation of the exquisite collections and improvements to the existing infrastructure that will enhance the visitor experience. 

The council is working with a number of partners including Stoke Creates, Staffordshire and Keele Universities to deliver their vision.

The council plans to extend the museum's existing gallery space, giving more room to display the city's nationally designated collections in a contemporary architectural setting, enabling the story of the city and its people, including the important role women have played in the ceramics industry, to be told in a compelling and captivating way for future generations.

One project to re-interpret the galleries for new and future audiences is currently under development (Kerry Ashdown).

The journey to re-develop the museum has already begun with the authority's £4.7m investment into the stunning Spitfire Gallery which houses the Mark XVI World War II Spitfire, celebrating locally-born R. J. Mitchell's triumph of aircraft design and inspiring a new generation of engineers.

Work on the re-location of the City's Archive service to the site has started with further investment by the city council of over £1.5m, which will see the museum and archives collections in one place for the first time.

With a new state-of-the-art reading room in the heart of the museum, this investment will create an integrated world-class research facility for the study of ceramics and local history. 

A number of potential funding opportunities are being explored to bring other elements of the vision to life, including bids submitted to Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other funding bodies. These bids have been submitted as part of a competitive application process, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Discussions are also being held with private investors who are keen to support the cultural aspirations of the city.    

Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:

"Our vision for The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery represents a new, exciting chapter for the culture of Stoke-on-Trent. Our ambition is to create a must-see internationally renowned cultural destination that both showcases and inspires visitors to explore sites and attractions throughout the City.  

"We want to see the museum become a new centerpiece for the Cultural Quarter, and the prospectus sets out how this can be achieved."