Award-winning architects Gareth Hoskins Architects of Glasgow have been chosen to create a design study to ensure Aberdeen Art Gallery is fit for purpose for the 21st century.

The announcement marks the first stage in an exciting project to modernise and enhance the gallery as it celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2010.

The firm's clients include the Victoria & Albert Museum, The National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland.

Given the Art Gallery's pivotal position close to His Majesty's Theatre, the Belmont Picturehouse, citymoves, the Central Library and Union Terrace Gardens, the ongoing development of a cultural quarter will be enhanced by the development.

This design study phase will be financed by the Marguerite McBey Trust, which was established in May 2001 to disburse the bequest of Mrs McBey to fund projects which promote contemporary art and the work and life of her husband, the celebrated artist, James McBey. The Trust also supports the wider work of the Art Gallery & Museums Service.

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The Marguerite McBey Trust is chaired by Dr Ian McKenzie Smith CBE, past president of the Royal Scottish Academy.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public, cultural organisations and business partners to be involved in shaping the outcome of the Design Study.

The process of inviting interested parties to bid for the commission began last year. Information packs were issued to 40 architectural and design practices. A total of 18 responses were received by the closing date. These submissions were evaluated and a shortlist of six organisations was invited to present their submissions in more detail.

It is currently estimated that the redevelopment of the Art Gallery site will cost around £20 million.

It is expected that the redevelopment project will be eligible for external grants and funds.

Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Manager Christine Rew said: "I am delighted that Gareth Hoskins Architects has been awarded the Design Study for the Art Gallery.

"The practice has a great reputation for developing innovative and sympathetic design solutions for museums and historic buildings. I know they will propose an exciting scheme for the Art Gallery and give us a building we can be proud of."

Chairman of The McBey Trust Dr Ian McKenzie Smith CBE said: "Marguerite McBey loved Aberdeen Art Gallery and was a good and generous friend to us for many, many years. I know she would have been delighted that her bequest is helping fund such a creative and far-sighted solution to the development of the building for the 21st century."

(GK/BMcC)