Green light for £66m revamp of Burrell Collection

Planning permission has been granted for a £66 million refurbishment of the Burrell Collection museum in Glasgow.

The A-listed building in Pollok Country Park, which closed to the public last October, houses almost 9,000 artworks collected by shipping merchant Sir William Burrell.

The scheme will open up three floors of the building, including the basement stores, allowing much more of the collection to be enjoyed by visitors.

Work will also include 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The museum has suffered from a leaky roof, outdated glazing and other issues, and the revamp will see the roof completely replaced.

The planning decision follows the recent approval by Glasgow City Council for funding of up to £27.3m toward the cost of the project and re-display of the collection.

John McAslan, executive chairman of architect John McAslan & Partners, who were appointed as architect and lead designer for the project, hopes the refurbishment will see a revival in its fortunes.

He 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 collection maintains its strong significance within Scotland and internationally.”

David Logue, senior partner, Scotland, at Gardiner & Theobald LLP, which is managing the project, 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 towards the project and the UK government has committed £5m.

A fundraising campaign is under way with a target of £15m.

Work to transform the A-listed building, which closed to the public last October, will see the creation of a dedicated space for special exhibitions and the conversion of offices into galleries.

It is expected to reopen in 2020.