GLASGOW.- The Burrell Collection has been granted planning permission and listed building consent for the comprehensive refurbishment of the museum.

The planning decision follows the recent approval by Glasgow City Council for funding of up to £27.3 million toward the cost of the £66 million refurbishment of the museum and redisplay of the collection.

John McAslan, 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”.

By optimising spaces and visitor circulation throughout the museum, for the first time the innovative scheme will open up all three floors of the building, including the basement stores, allowing much more of the collection to be displayed and enjoyed by visitors.

James Alexander, Chief Executive of Event Communications, commented “The integration between collection and building is what makes the Burrell so unique. By optimising and opening up new display spaces, the scheme will enhance the visitor experience and radically improve public access to its stunning collection of some 9,000 works”.

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. By capitalising on its unique setting, landscaped terraces and civic space will also forge connections between the museum and the stunning surroundings of Pollok Country Park.

In addition to increasing accessibility to the collection, the roof of the building will also be completely overhauled with refurbishment plans transforming the Burrell into an exemplar of sustainability.

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 £15 million to the project and the UK Government has also committed £5 million. A fundraising campaign is underway with a target of £15 million. The decision by the Council allows for procurement of the main contractor and it is anticipated that the refurbished museum will re-open in 2020.