The three-year closure of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has been delayed until after the city hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Earlier this year it emerged that the attraction at Chamberlain Square was due to shut its doors next October in line with the wider redevelopment of the council house.

But now staff have been told that will not be the case although the plans have not been axed altogether.

A statement from Birmingham Museums Trust said: "Birmingham City Council are proposing to reschedule their modernisation works on the council house complex until after the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

"This will mean that Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will no longer be closing in late 2019.

"This does not change our ambitions to redevelop the museum.

"We will continue to plan the new displays and public facilities so that work can begin on site sometime after 2022.

"Thank you to everyone who visits and supports the museum. We will keep you updated on our exciting plans."

The trust confirmed the latest developments would have no impact on the plans to build a new multi-million pound collection centre on the former Poolway Shopping Centre in Yardley.

A business case is being drawn up for the project, which could be open by 2020/21.

A site in Yardley has been agreed as the potential location for a new collection and cultural centre, led by Birmingham Museums Trust.

It is set to replace the storage facility at Dollman Street in Nechells, which is infested by rodents, suffers from water penetration and has other problems around access, a lack of space and the security of the collection.

It would provide greater public access to artefacts currently locked away and also serve as the trust's new headquarters.

The museum currently occupies part of Grade II* listed council house in the city centre and two thirds of the council house extension to the rear which is adjoined by a bridge.

The complex is set to be redeveloped with the outdated electrics in particular in need of addressing.

But the project will also result in the museum trust being forced to relinquish 73,948sq ft (6,870 sq m) of space which will instead be used for more lucrative 'commercial opportunities'.

A report concerning the wider council house redevelopment is expected to go to cabinet next month.