A MUSEUM which houses almost 9,000 artworks collected by shipping merchant Sir William Burrell has won planning approval for a £66 million refurbishment.
The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, has been given permission for the work which architects hope will see a revival in its fortune.
The planning decision follows the recent approval by Glasgow City Council for funding of up to £27.3m toward the cost of the refurbishment.
John McAslan, the executive chairman of John McAslan + Partners, said: "The Burrell Collection’s ambitious plans have taken a major step forward.
"We are delighted approval has been granted for the renaissance of the Burrell.
"The scheme has been shaped by the need to address the strains on the current building, by a need to respond to the works held in the collection, and by a desire to contribute further to the Burrell’s unique setting of Pollok Country Park.
"This decision will ensure the Burrell Collection maintains its strong significance within Scotland and internationally”.
The project will open up all three floors of the building, including the basement stores.
It will improve the ability for the public to view Sir William Burrell's gift of more than 9000 objects to the city.
The work to transform the Grade A listed building will also see the creation of a dedicated space for special exhibitions and the conversion of offices into galleries.
The museum has suffered from a leaky roof, outdated glazing and other issues, and the revamp will see the roof completely replaced.
David Logue, Senior Partner, Scotland, at Gardiner & Theobald LLP, said “We are delighted with this decision.
"With an increase in public space and display space, and in reducing the museum’s large carbon footprint, the proposed works are set to benefit future generations.”
The Heritage Lottery Fund has pledged £15m to the project and the UK Government has also committed £5m.
A fundraising campaign is underway with a target of £15 million.
The museum is currently closed and the plan is for it to re-open in 2020.
The collection in the building was donated to the city in 1944.
At present, only some 20 per cent of the exceptional collection is on display.
Throughout the Burrell’s refurbishment an exhibition of works from the Burrell will be on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, also in Glasgow.
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