The move follows a major master planning exercise, which outlined plans which will see more than 90 per cent of the 9,000-strong collection on display, the basement stores opened to the public for the first time and a new, central core which will greatly increase access to the many treasures collected by Sir William Burrell.
There will also be improved café and retail opportunities and a new, civic events space outside.
The building which houses the Burrell Collection is in urgent need of refurbishment. Galleries have been closed because of danger of damage to objects and paintings as a result of water ingress. Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life and Burrell Renaissance have been examining options for a refurbishment and redisplay of the collection - securing its home for generations to come and honouring the city's debt to Sir William, who spent more than 75 years of his life amassing one of the world's finest, single personal collections.
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The plans will see the Category A-listed building retain its impressive architectural footprint and façade in Pollok Country Park, but after the refurbishment, a major overhaul of the roof, building fabric, interior and ageing plant, will create an entirely new experience for visitors.
The building will also be an exemplar of sustainability, transforming it from a building that has a large carbon footprint, into an energy efficient, modern museum. The refurbished building will meet a significant portion of future energy requirements by using renewable sources, both within the building and the wider country park.
(CD/MH)
