Visuals of the proposed new St Albans museum and art gallery have been released by architects.

The project passed the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Stage C Review earlier this month. Next, planning permission will be sought for alterations to the old Town Hall.

John McAslan and Partners, a London-based firm of architects, released the images which propose a glass wall to allow views of the Cathedral.

Councillor Annie Brewster, portfolio holder for Heritage, Sport and Leisure at St Albans City and District Council and Trustee of the Museums and Galleries Trust, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add a new jewel in St Albans' crown.

"Despite all the hard work being done, this project is still not guaranteed and we need the help of residents, visitors, and businesses—all of us who love St Albans—to make this project a reality. We need to secure match funding of £1.7m towards the total cost of the £7.75m project."

Plans will enable the northern and southern parts of the first floor to be connected and glass wings will be used to create a walkway around the east and west sides of the building.

From these new vantage points, visitors will be able to take in views of the medieval city towards the Clock Tower and the Cathedral and down Holywell Hill.

John McAslan, chairman of John McAslan and Partners, said: "Our proposals create an exciting museum and gallery within this historic building, ensuring that it will remain for future generations to enjoy, as part of the city’s rich heritage."

A changing exhibition programme will be held in a new circular gallery, reflecting the heritage the city and district can claim since its early Roman settlement.

The ground floor will offer a centrally located reception and information centre directing people to all there is on offer locally.

A new temperature-controlled and secure basement gallery will be created under the building to house national touring exhibitions and top contemporary art shows.

The old Ball Room will be able to host dinners, dances, lectures and music performances. In addition, it will provide a venue for the latest exhibitions and cultural events. Tours, re-enactments and artists in residence workshops are all among the educational content planned.

For the first time, the ancient basement prison cells will be fully accessible to the public. These were once used to house the accused before judgment in the Georgian courtroom upstairs.

It is hoped the original horseshoe shape of the outdoor railings, once in front of the Town Hall in the Market Square will be recreated with lights or small fountains.

City Centre manager, Richard Marrett, said: "St Albans deserves such a central cultural hub for our residents and further-a-field visitors to enjoy.

"Other cities, such as Liverpool and Glasgow have benefited from similar projects but few have such an extensive timeline to shout about. The whole area around the Town Hall will be reinvigorated with this planned development."

To support the project contact St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust by calling Trustees Mike Gray on 07710 039100 or Cllr Annie Brewster (cllr.a.brewster@stalbans.gov.uk) on 01438 832255.