Designs for a new gallery dedicated to ancient Egypt have been released by Bolton Museum and exhibition designers Leach Studio.

Work is already underway on the £3.8m (€4.3m, US$5m) addition to the museum, in the English town of Bolton, Lancashire, with the venue set to re-open in 2018 following essential roof repairs and electrical works.

The Eternal Egypt gallery will showcase Egyptian artefacts, a replica Pharaoh tomb, and explain how Bolton came to acquire its important Egyptology collection.

Many of the artefacts were donated by the Egypt Exploration Fund to thank a local Bolton woman, Annie Barlow, for fundraising for archaeological digs in Egypt in the 19th century.

“This project is the most significant development the museum has seen in many years,” said Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration and resources, Ebrahim Adia. “Bolton’s Egyptology collection is one of the most significant in the UK, so we’ll be pulling out all the stops to create a visitor attraction of international quality and appeal.”

Nichola Ward, head of creative at Leach Studio, said: “Working closely with the museum team has allowed us to really explore the collection and create some exciting and often brave designs.

"It’s inspiring to work with a client team that is open to ideas and is really helping to create a fun-filled experience for visitors that shows the breadth and beauty of Bolton’s astonishing Egyptology collection.”

The new exhibit will be divided into four zones: the Portico, Rotunda, Land and People, and Beliefs.

Development of the site by contractor Willmott Dixon began early this year.