Gardiner & Theobald LLP has been appointed to undertake the Project Management with John McAslan + Partners as Architect and Lead Designer for the refurbishment of the building, with Event Communications appointed to deliver exhibition and interpretative design across the Burrell’s galleries.

The refurbishment project, set to commence in October, will see the museum undergo its most comprehensive modernisation since opening to international acclaim in 1983. The building, which is no longer fit for purpose, will be turned into an exemplar of sustainability, transforming it from a building with a large carbon footprint, into an energy efficient, modern museum.

In addition, plans will allow a much greater proportion of the Collection to be displayed. Basement stores, open to the public for the first time, and a new central core will greatly increase access for visitors to the many artworks. Visitors will also benefit from a new learning space, and improved café and retail opportunities, while landscaped terraces will be introduced to link the museum with its parkland setting, providing a venue for events.

Sir Angus Grossart, a Glasgow life board member, said: “The brief is challenging in combining the refurbishment of an iconic building with ambitions to vitalise visitor engagement with the world-class Collection. It is an excellent foundation on which to optimise the Burrell’s potential whilst retaining the character and strengths of the building. The appointments of Gardiner & Theobald LLP, John McAslan + Partners, and Event Communications, promises a new chapter for the Burrell Collection.”

More than two-thirds of the fundraising target of £60m to £66m required for the redevelopment has been pledged to date with support from Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the UK Government.

A total of 113 suppliers expressed an interest in the tender for the Project Management led Architectural and Building Design Team, with a further 57 suppliers expressing an interest in Exhibition Design Team Services. Council officials carried out a pre-evaulation stage, with Gardiner & Theobald LLP, John McAslan + Partners and Event Communications selected from an impressive shortlist.

John McAslan, Executive Chairman of John McAslan + Partners said: “With its distinctive presence and unique blend of artefacts with architecture, we are delighted to be appointed Architect and Lead Designer for this project and to be given the opportunity to work with the Burrell Collection as it becomes an exemplar for a 21st century museum.”

The teams will begin developing the scope for the refurbishment and redisplay from April 2016, with building work set to commence from October 2016.

A programme of events and activities leading up to October 2016 will give the public the opportunity to see and engage with treasures from the Collection before refurbishment begins after which an exhibition of works from the Burrell will be on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow, allowing continued access to citizens and visitors alike.

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