Overview

A series of targeted improvements will enhance the visitor experience throughout the building. Renewed signage, lifts and flooring will improve accessibility and wayfinding, while new solar-controlled blinds will increase natural daylight within the galleries in line with the original design intent. Additionally, the bathrooms, café, kitchen, and staff facilities will also be upgraded.

Conservatory and Café

The café and conservatory areas will be refurbished to enhance functionality and create a cohesive set of gallery amenities, drawing inspiration from elements of the original 1978 arrangement. A new bar kiosk opposite the café will support evening events and help activate the extended south terrace, strengthening the hospitality offer throughout the day and into the evening. 

Bathrooms

In the Main Gallery bathrooms, like-for-like replacement of the partitions, ceilings and fittings is proposed, alongside the introduction of a high-quality jointless composite floor finish to improve durability and maintenance.

Standing unchanged since their original installation 35 years ago, the Crescent Wing bathrooms require full replacement, with new fixtures and finishes to match those of the proposed Main Gallery bathrooms.

Flooring

The existing carpet and rubber flooring throughout the building will be replaced on a like-for-like basis. Carpet is a defining feature of the original building interior, introduced to create an informal, domestic atmosphere that encourages a more relaxed and intimate engagement with the artworks displayed in the Living Area, emulating the original setting of the Sainsbury Collection. 

Kitchen and Staff Facilities

The restaurant kitchen will be refurbished with new durable, commercial-grade finishes to support its long-term operation. Staff facilities within the Main Gallery and Crescent Wing will also be upgraded, creating a consistent and improved working environment throughout the building.