McLaughlin and Harvey (M&H) has began working on the £30 million redevelopment of the Aberdeen Art Gallery.

The Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and Memorial Hall will be transformed through a significant investment.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded a grant of almost £10 million to the programme, while the council has already committed a further £10 million from its Non-Housing Capital Fund.

A public and philanthropic fundraising campaign will be held to raise money for the remaining £10 million.

The project involves new educational facilities and the planned sensitive upgrading of the Cowdray Hall.

The Memorial Hall will also be carefully treated to reflect both its role as a space for quiet contemplation and as a civic space.

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The programme for the construction and fit-out works to the Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall will enable the buildings to re-open in 2017.

Interior plans include the development of 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11, a 500 square metre space in which to showcase international-quality exhibitions and a community gallery in a new wing at the rear of the building.

Exterior plans involve removing the pitches roofs and skylights behind the parapets of the main building and adding a new storey of accommodation for temporary galleries and a learning zone.

The design for the project was created by Hoskins Architects.

Deputy Council Leader Marie Boulton said: "The formal hand over of Aberdeen Art Gallery's keys to contractors McLaughlin and Harvey of Belfast is a key milestone in this multi-million pound redevelopment project.

"Through significant investment in the fabric of the buildings we will have new exhibition and display galleries and improved facilities for visitors."

Michael Kieran, Director of M&H said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract and look forward to working closely with the Design Team and Aberdeen City Council to restore and improve this facility."

The project is due to be completed in winter 2017.

(LM/MH)