Dixon Jones was commissioned in 1998 to develop a masterplan which arose from the gallery’s need to respond to three important challenges:
The gallery had long suffered from the inadequate provision of access to it’s magnificent picture galleries, and the difficulties of receiving over 4 million visitors per annum in a building originally designed for a fraction of that number.
To make the most of the possibilities for a new relationship between the principle façade of the building and the pedestrianisation of the north side of Trafalgar Square.
The relocation of staff from the ground floor of the main building to the office space in nearby St Vincent House, allowing more space to be released for public use.