Kier has successfully completed the £68.25m restoration of the A-listed Burrell Collection for Glasgow Life.
The must-visit new attraction in Pollock Country Park, Glasgow now has significantly more gallery space, is more accessible for members of the public and includes a range of new features to make the building more sustainable.
The 12,374 m2 building now has a gallery space which has increased by a third, a requirement needed to house more of the collection’s 9,000 artefacts.
A disused lecture theatre has been converted into a connective hub which is situated at the heart of the building and existing aluminium glazing frames have been reused for the restoration work – meaning 8.5 tonnes of new aluminium was not needed saving c.100 tonnes of carbon emissions being created. The building has achieved a ‘BREEAM’ excellent status.
As part of Kier’s commitment to delivering social value – and lasting legacies – in areas in which it works, new job and training opportunities were provided, including seven apprenticeships. The site team also carried out 12 educational workshops and have supported sixteen community projects. In addition, Kier opened up a visitors’ centre close to the building for members of the public to find out more about the restoration, the techniques being used and to track the progress being made on site.
Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Construction in Scotland, said: “The Burrell Collection is a hugely important attraction for the City of Glasgow and we have felt immense pride and passion to be restoring and modernising for the next generation of visitors.
“Collaboration has been at the heart of this project and working alongside Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and our local supply chain partners, we are delighted the restoration of the Burrell Collection is now complete. The building retains many of its historically-important details, alongside new sustainable and accessible features which we hope visitors will enjoy at this must-visit attraction.”
Duncan Dornan, Head of Glasgow Life Museums said: “The completion of the refurbishment of The Burrell Collection is a huge achievement for all involved but especially for Kier who have taken the challenge of working on an existing, A-listed building and delivered something exceptional. Above all, helping to create a sustainable and secure home for this magnificent collection, while retaining all its original character and charm, is exactly what this project had to deliver. Every step of the way, Kier has been with us and all the other partners and contractors focussed on delivering what is a special and unique experience for visitors.”
Kier has extensive experience in restoring heritage buildings and is currently on-site transforming Paisley Museum, Citizens Theatre in Glasgow and Granton Station for City of Edinburgh Council.
