Go-ahead for £5m museum upgrade

Terraced area and wheelchair ramp among improvements

- Hayley Parker

A £5 million revamp of Hanley's Potteries Museum and Art Gallery can now get underway.

Plans have been approved to carry out a major refurbishment of the tourist attraction.

The biggest external change will involve covering over the moat at the front and side of the museum with new terraced areas.

A full-height glazed main entrance will be created at the corner of the building, with new steps leading up from Broad Street, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp from Bethesda Street.

The museum's cafe will be moved to the foyer, where the shop is currently located, with space for extra seating on the new terrace, creating a 'vibrant atmosphere' for visitors.