Southampton Civic Centre: Scheme to upgrade art gallery roof

The art gallery suffers from poor air quality and damp penetration caused by the state of the roof, which cannot be accessed safely for repairs and maintenance.

A planning application submitted by the council includes proposals to replace the ventilation units and asphalt coverings.

Civic chiefs say the existing ones have reached the end of their economic life and are no longer capable of meeting modern standards for heating and ventilation.

Plans to upgrade the art gallery roof have been unveiled (Image: HCC Property Services)

A design and access statement that forms part of the application cites the need to weatherproof the gallery.

"Significant interventions at roof level will prevent weather penetration, improve the thermal performance of the fabric and improve the internal environment and air quality," it says.

"Access for maintenance of the roof and plant is very poor and affected by the presence of seagulls and pigeons and their droppings.

"This has led to several components failing over the years as they cannot be safely accessed for maintenance and repair.

"Moving plant to a central location over the lecture theatre and covering with bird netting will allow the safe access of equipment during all seasons to enable monitoring maintenance and repair duties to be carried out in safe conditions."

READ MORE: Southampton Civic Centre's clock through the years

The statement also cites the need for internal upgrades, including UV protection for the gallery spaces and improved security, which would allow the facility to host touring exhibitions.

Plans to upgrade the art gallery roof have been unveiled (Image: HCC Property Services)

The council's plans are part of a masterplan to modernise the civic centre and tackle the issue of climate change.

"The proposed improvements will make the building more energy efficient, enabling the council to reduce its carbon footprint across the site and, specifically, to address the operational needs of the art gallery."

READ MORE: Art school bombing was one of the worst tragedies to hit Southampton during the war

A heritage statement that accompanies the application describes the civic centre as a "major and valuable asset" to the city.

Referring to the art gallery plans it adds: "The objectives are to address the inefficient internal environment, poor air quality and damp penetration."

An archive image of Southampton Civic Centre, which was built in the 1930s (Image: HCC Property Services)

The gallery used to house the Civic Centre School of Art, which was destroyed during the Second World War.

A bomb crashed through two floors of the building before exploding in the basement, where 15 girls and some of their teachers were sheltering.

The only survivor was Audrey Hunt, 13, who was badly burned and took months to recover.

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