Plans have been submitted for internal changes at a museum which has been closed since 2022 while it undergoes a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The plans, submitted to the council, show a reconfiguration of the interior space of Ipswich Museum.

This includes the insertion of a new passenger lift and staircase, raising the timber floor in places and the creation of new openings in existing walls.

The museum also wants to do landscaping work - including the creation of ramps and a terrace for outdoor seating, repair work and minor additions to the boundary wall and the insertion of new railings.

The museum before it closedThe museum before it closed (Image: Newsquest)

Planners also want to install new toilet facilities on site.

The proposal documents state that these plans will "significantly improve visitor circulation without harming the gallery's special appearance" and the provision for new toilet facilities is "essential".

The museum closed in October 2022 to carry out a major revamp of the venue.

The project was set to cost an initial £8.7million, but the work went over budget by about £2.7m - bringing the total predicted cost to £11.4m.

The museum after it closedThe museum after it closed (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

The costs are funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ipswich Borough Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Friends of Ipswich Museum and Lord Belstead Trust.

The work on the museum was brought forward in May this year, with Gipping Construction being appointed to carry out the construction elements of the redevelopment.

The latest phase of construction at the building will look to enhance its exterior and interior, preserving its Victorian architecture and refurbishing the existing galleries.

The museum is hoping to be open in the summer of 2025 and welcome visitors once more.

Plans have gone in for new stairs, lift and toiletsPlans have gone in for new stairs, lift and toilets (Image: Charlotte Bond)