Plans for a major city centre campus expansion have been announced by the Glasgow School of Art (GSA).

The project will take place at the GSA's Garnethill campus, with the restored Mackintosh Building becoming the centrepiece of the extension scheme.

The Grade A-listed building was badly damaged during a fire in May 2014.

So far, a fundraising drive to restore the structure has raised £17 million. The £20 million target has now been increased to £32 million to cover the campus' restoration and expansion.

Features of the project include GSA purchasing the former Stow College site, which is expected to be completed in the new few weeks.

The site will be refurbished to 'bring together all pathways in the School of Fine Art in one building'.

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Construction consultancy Gardiner and Theobald have been appointed to provide all consultancy services for the conversion, while BDP have been selected as architects for the first phase refurbishment works.

GSA Director, Professor Tom Inns, said: "Over the last 10 years the GSA has undertaken phased developments of the campus in Garnethill, refurbishing some buildings, replacing others that were no longer fit for purpose and constructing the Reid Building.

"The Mackintosh Building fire required the School to pause and reconsider, but we are now moving forward to create a newly extended campus with the restored Mackintosh Building at its heart."

"The acquisition of the former Stow College site is a fundamental element of our new estate development strategy. It will mean that the GSA can bring together all pathways in the School of Fine Art in one specially-adapted building for first time in over 50 years. It will also mean we can create the space to support collaboration across our disciplines as well as with other academic, third sector and industry partners."

Work is due to begin in summer 2016, with the School of Fine Art moving into the building from autumn 2017.

(Image: A view of the Mackintosh Building before a fire in May 2014)

(LM/MH)