This new competition seeks an architect for the design of a new gallery extension and alteration of internal and external spaces within the Grade II listed Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. The competition is being organised by the RIBA Competitions Office with funding support from the Friends of the Whitworth and is the first stage of a Heritage Lottery Fund supported project.

The project vision is to extend the South-west facing side of the Gallery adjacent to Whitworth Park to expand the space to display and study the collection, improve facilities for visitors and improve the efficiency of the existing building. 

Initial application will be by expression of interest. A shortlist of 5 practices will be shortlisted to produce concept designs and will each receive an honorarium of £5,000.

Anyone interested in being considered should contact the RIBA Competitions Office for a preliminary briefing paper. This can be downloaded from www.architecture.com/competitions|. The deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is 2.00pm on Wednesday 15 July 2009.