In November 1994, Manchester City Council launched an RIBA international competition to refurbish the existing historic City Art Gallery and Athenaeum. Ever since Manchester Corporation first took over the City Art Gallery in 1882 there have been plans to extend the premises.

The competition attracted 132 architects with 6 teams selected to proceed to the design stage. Hopkins Architects were announced as the winners in January 1995.

The new extension, with its stone and glass façade provides a landmark for the city centre. A spacious new glass atrium has been created to link the new wing with the former City Art Gallery and Athenaeum. It was re-opened to the public in May 2002.

Awards

Civic Society of Manchester Phoenix Award 2002

RIBA Award 2003

RIBA Client of the Year 2003

Royal Fine Art Commission Trust Aggiornamento Award 2003

The Concrete Society Award 2003

The British Construction Industry Building Award 2003 – Shortlisted

Civic Trust Award 2004