PLANS for an £8 million redevelopment of York Art Gallery have been submitted to City of York Council .

If permission is granted, it will pave the way for the work to start in December, leading to the closure of the gallery for more than two years.

The York Museums Trust says the principal intention is to provide additional gallery space, maximising both the existing building and the site, whilst upgrading the historic fabric to provide modern, sustainable and appropriate accommodation.

Its application includes internal and external alterations including the erection of an extension to create a new gallery area, a new balcony and replacement windows, following the external demolition of a single-storey extension and part of the roof.

It also involves the creation of a new ‘secret’ gallery in a large vaulted ceiling space above the main gallery, which has been closed off to the public for decades.

A report accompanying the application says that by opening up the secret gallery space, key features of the original building can once again be appreciated by the public.

“With careful interventions, natural daylight will be brought into the heart of the building, enhancing the appreciation of the collection material, ensuring the building is a more attractive and pleasant visitor experience and lowering the reliance on artificial lighting,”it says.

But the report says the roof will require modification to ensure it meets modern requirements for energy use, structural and thermal performance.

“Whilst the internal appearance of the roof structure will remain, a new roof layer is to be installed, with the existing slates relayed over this to maintain the external appearance.

“The glazed roof lights will be reproduced but replaced with glass that is highly insulated, that controls UV light, allows ventilation and smoke release and can be easily accessed.”

The Press has reported previously that during the closure, some of the gallery’s collection of works will be loaned to other galleries, including the National Gallery and the Tate, and a touring exhibition of 30 paintings will be going on show at various galleries throughout Yorkshire.

The gallery is due to reopen at Easter 2015.