The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has confirmed it is to become the long-term tenant for McLellan Galleries.

The GSA was formerly based in the B-listed building before it moved to the Mackintosh Building in the late 19th Century. It will now relocated back to the space in the city on a long-term lease. The GSA will also carry out repairs to the building and maintain its historic use.

The proposals will see an investment of between £10m and £20m made to restore the building and incorporate the galleries into the GSA's Garnethill campus.

Under the development, a new central courtyard/exhibition space could be created to provide a public route through from Sauchiehall Street to GSA's newly developed precinct between the Mackintosh, Reid and Bourdon Buildings on Renfrew Street.


Plans to appoint architects for the scheme will now progress, with a timetable to be developed in agreement with Glasgow City Council.

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Tom Inns, Director of The Glasgow School of Art, said: "We are delighted that Glasgow City Council has approved The Glasgow School of Art as long term-tenant for McLellan Galleries.

"The GSA occupied McLellan Galleries for 30 years from 1869 before moving into purpose-designed accommodation at 167 Renfrew Street – The Mackintosh Building.

"100 years later, our plans and investment in the Galleries will bring them back to life and secure their long-term future for both the school and the city."

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, added: "The McLellan Galleries has enjoyed a great past, and now we can look forward to a fantastic future for this wonderful building.

"The Glasgow School of Art presented an extremely strong case for the long-term lease, and seem a perfect fit for the Galleries. This is not just great news for the development of the McLellan Galleries and the growth of the School of Art, but also for this part of the city centre."

(JP/IT)