Plans to breathe new life into one of Glasgow’s cultural jewels have moved a step closer after the project received a multimillion-pound funding pledge.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced support of £15 million for the transformation of the Burrell Collection.
The award includes a grant of £1 million to help the city council and Glasgow Life take the project to the next stage of the application process.
The Burrell Collection opened its doors to the public in 1983 and, in doing so, received international acclaim.
But the building which houses the collection, in the heart of Pollok Country Park, is said to no longer be fit for purpose and in need of a full refurbishment and redisplay.
Only 20% of the collection – donated to the city by collector Sir William Burrell in 1944 – is currently on display as many items have had to be removed to protect them from damage.
It is estimated that the total cost of the project will be between £60 million and £66 million, with the council committed to meeting up to half of the cost.
Colin McLean, head of the HLF in Scotland, said: “The Burrell Collection was one of the greatest gifts ever given to a city and the seed that helped Glasgow grow into the thriving cultural centre it is today.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support plans to breathe new life into it so that it can continue to be a place of joy and inspiration for local, national and international visitors for many years to come.”
Under the modernisation plans, a new roof and high performance glazing will make the museum more energy-efficient.
Two new floors of exhibition space will be created so that 90% of the 8,000 objects can be viewed by the public.
The basement stores will also be opened up to public access, and there will be a new entrance, cafe and learning space.
Sir Angus Grossart, the chairman of Burrell Renaissance, said: “We have been working hard to liberate the great potential of the Burrell Collection and for Sir William’s great gift to be placed on a global stage. It is key that we provide a home worthy of these incredible treasures and their influence.
“We deeply appreciate the decision by the Heritage Lottery Fund to support this project which is a ringing endorsement of our plans. It is yet another, very positive, step as we carry forward the torch handed to us by Sir William and seek to place his extraordinary collection within the international context which it deserves.”
Depute council leader and chair of Glasgow Life Archie Graham said: “The Burrell Collection is of international importance and the undoubted jewel in our cultural crown. We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has fully backed our ambitious plans for a full refurbishment and redisplay, which will massively increase access to some of the treasures which Sir William devoted his life in collecting.”
Heritage grant applications are assessed in two rounds. A first-round pass is given when HLF has endorsed outline proposals and earmarked funding, and may also include an immediate award to fund the development of the project.
Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at the second-round and, as long as they have progressed satisfactorily, the money for the project will be confirmed.