THE MACKINTOSH CONSERVATION AND ACCESS PROJECT

Leading Glasgow consultants Page\Park Architects, ZM Architecture and cost consultants Doig & Smith, with specialist M & E Services Engineers Harley Haddow from Edinburgh, have been appointed to develop the world-famous Glasgow School of Art by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Opened in 1899, the building is set to benefit from 21st Century technology and conservation techniques following the award of a Stage 1 Grant of £4.6 million and a development grant of £153,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Glasgow School of Art plans to return many areas of the building back to their original condition by removing partitions, screens and mezzanine floors inserted in the 1970s and by refurbishing original stone, timber and plaster features. A dedicated Research Centre, with environmentally-controlled storage facilities, will be created to protect and exploit the School's historic collections.

Public access to the building and its collections will be enhanced by new visitor facilities, permanent exhibition areas and an extended tour route which will offer access to previously occupied historic apartments and open up hitherto unseen features of the building, such as the original heating apparatus.

A new interpretive centre, entitled 'Window on the Mac', will host displays on the architecture, history and construction of the iconic art school building. This facility will form the starting point for visitors to the Mackintosh building and it is expected visitor numbers will rise to about 35,000 a year on completion of the project.

The work is programmed to be complete by the end of 2009, coinciding with the centenary of the building's original completion by C R Mackintosh.

Page\Park will lead the Project team, with specific responsibility for the conservation and overall historic context of the work. ZM Architecture will design the interpretive space, archive and exhibition components. Harley Haddow will design a new heating and ventilation system sympathetic to the building and are currently investigating the adaption of Mackintosh's original and innovative solutions. Doig & Smith will be responsible for cost management, financial reporting and safety supervision.

Staff and students of The Glasgow School of Art will be closely involved through the development of the project, with specific support provided to the Project Team by the School's Archivist, Curator, Estates team, Exhibition Office and Commercial Manager.

The Heritage Lottery Fund enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, Heritage Lottery Fund grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy.