KIER Construction has been named preferred bidder for the main building contract as part of Glasgow’s famous Burrell Collection’s refurbishment plans.
The appointment, from Glasgow City Council’s contracts and property committee, marks the next phase which will see the repair of the building envelope, renewal of the building services, creation of a new internal access core and refurbishment of the museum’s interiors along with external landscaping.
Kier is set to start onsite this summer, with procurement for the Burrell’s visitor experience contract taking place later this year.
In a boost to the museum’s refurbishment plans, the Burrell Renaissance has received an additional £1.4 million funding from four major supporters. The Wolfson Foundation and The Headley Trust have each pledged £500,000. The Gannochy Trust has pledged £250,000 and The Taylor Family Foundation has pledged £150,000.
The cost of the project is estimated at £66 million with Glasgow City Council agreeing to fund up to 50% of the overall project cost. Over 94% of the estimated costs have now been raised, including £15million from the National Lottery.
Proposals will see the museum’s public space increase by 83% and gallery space rise by 35% with store rooms on the lower ground floor open to the public for the first time. Improved facilities will include café and retail opportunities, while landscaped terraces will link the museum to its parkland setting.
A “re-interpretation” of treasures of the Collection will also tell much more of a story about their importance and how they were collected, with an increase in artworks on display.
Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life, and depute leader of Glasgow City Council said, “The refurbishment of the Burrell Collection will unlock the great potential of Sir William’s incredible gift to the city and the appointment of Keir Construction as the main contractor is a significant milestone. We are protecting and enhancing the Collection for the current and future generations – and creating a home for these treasures which, in its location at the heart of Pollok Country Park, is nothing short of exceptional.”
Brian McQuade, managing director of Kier Construction Scotland added, “It’s an honour to be working with Glasgow Life in the restoration of the home of the Burrell Collection – a national treasure for Scotland. We have a solid record of successfully working on major heritage projects of this scale, including the restoration of The Mackintosh building at Glasgow School of Art and the refurbishment of Edinburgh College of Art and Aberdeen Music Hall.
“We are committed to working closely with the local supply chain to help create a range of diverse employment and training opportunities and provide opportunity throughout the life of the project to help increase footfall in Pollok Park during the construction period as we deliver this important project.”
