Plans have been approved for a £16.8 million extension project at the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) in Edinburgh.

The applications were given the go-ahead by the City of Edinburgh Council and construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2017.

Designed by Hoskins Architects, the redevelopment will triple the exhibition space available to the Scottish collection from 440 metres to 1,320 metres. Visitor access will be improved as well as circulation throughout the Scottish National Gallery (SNG) complex, creating a more sympathetic setting and entrance for the SNG within East Princes St Gardens.

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The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) granted almost £5m towards the project earlier this year.

The Scottish rooms, Print Room and Library in the Lower Level of the SNG closed earlier this week for preparation of the building. Work will continue until autumn 2018, with the new spaces opening in early 2019.

Michael Clarke, Director of the SNG and Project Director, said: "We are delighted that we can now move forward with this exciting development. I would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their support of this project which will truly transform this site at the heart of Edinburgh and enable new audiences to enjoy the magnificent Scottish art collection."

(LM/CD)