Ferens Art Gallery Refurbishment

Hull City of Culture Year 2017 started well for Houlton as January 2017 saw the newly refurbished Ferens Art Gallery, in its 90th year,  re open to the general public following handover back to Hull City Council after a 48 week programme.

The £5.2m refurbishment project was procured via the Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, and Houlton were awarded the contract and commenced work in late 2015

The aim of the refurbishment was to create an environment that could continue to show the galleries existing collection, but also attract new exhibits like the Lorenzetti Panel Painting and the 2017 Turner Prize winner.

As a Grade II listed building, dilapidation surveys were undertaken and extensive protection to the core features were essential prior to the works commencing.

The majority of the refurbishment work was hidden with the buildings infrastructure of new insulation, air conditioning and humidity controls installed in plant rooms and roof voids.

A glass lobby was also installed to create an environmentally controlled area between the entrance and the main Gallery.

A café/bar extension, refit and decoration was carried out to provide a great user space, allowing visitors to contemplate, take refreshment and visit the Gallery shop as well as being available for functions.

A crucial part of the refurbishment was the installation of computer-designed pieces of glass to create new skylights that cut Ultra Violet light and control heat. This involved erecting a scaffold to access the roof, and organising a mobile crane to lift over 700 panels of glass weighing approximately 70kg into position for fitting.

Our Chairman, Richard Houlton, said of the project.

“Houlton is a family owned business and has been building in the city since 1879. We take great pride when we have the opportunity work on projects that are significant city landmarks such as the Gallery and are genuinely thrilled that we have delivered the project as envisaged and ahead of schedule”