June 17 2008

The Glasgow School of Art Campus - with the iconic Rennie Mackintosh school at its centrepiece-  is to be redeveloped, provided that a business case can be argued to justify the funding package of £50 million that is being offered.

The Funding Council is prepared to commit up to £50 million towards the first phase of the redevelopment, targeted for the site immediately opposite the Mackintosh building which is currently undergoing an £8.6 million conservation and access project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The phase-one site is currently occupied by three buildings of poor quality which are no longer fit for purpose.

The Council has written to the Director of the GSA asking to see a business case for the first phase before confirming its offer. It has also said it is committed to discussing and agreeing with the School a funding package for future phases.

The Glasgow School of Art is home to an international community of approximately 1,700 students and 400 staff. The School’s director, Professor Seona Reid was confident that the full funding would be forthcoming.

"A world class School needs a world class estate and Funding Council support will ensure that we have one. With it we can feel confident of continuing to produce mature, confident and enterprising graduates and contributing to Scotland’s economic and cultural success,” she said

Post your comments