Gilbert-Ash has started the £35.5 million National Portrait Gallery project.

Inspiring People is the Gallery’s biggest ever development since the building opened in 1896 at St Martin’s Place London. It will include extensive refurbishment of the existing Grade I listed galleries.

The project is due to complete in 2023 and will include a new entrance and forecourt, which will transform the original building.

The designs, by Jamie Fobert Architects working in partnership with Purcell, encompass a complete re-display and re-interpretation of the Gallery’s Collection across 40 refurbished galleries, presenting a wider and more diverse selection of portraits.

The works will also create new retail and catering facilities and a new Learning Centre for visitors of all ages with studios, break-out spaces and high-quality practical facilities.

Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson commented: “The redevelopment, which is in line with our track record of taking on projects which require innovation to succeed, presents a great opportunity for Gilbert-Ash to further cement our profile in delivering outstanding landmark buildings of international significance.

“We look forward to working closely together, and indeed imaginatively, with the National Portrait Gallery, the architects and the other disciplines and our trusted supply chain to deliver this prestigious project.

“The National Portrait Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Our team has the knowledge and experience to make a lasting difference to this iconic building for future generations and we are really excited to start works this month.”

Ros Lawler, Chief Operating Officer, National Portrait Gallery, London added: “We are delighted to be working with Gilbert-Ash to help us realise our goal of transforming the National Portrait Gallery through our Inspiring People project. The renewed building will allow us to be more welcoming, engaging and accessible to all, with new and refurbished galleries for exhibitions and the permanent Collection and better quality learning facilities.”