The keys to Aberdeen Art Gallery have officially been handed over to the contractors who will work on its £30million redevelopment.
Belfast-based McLaughlin and Harvey will now carry out the renovation of the city-centre landmark, as well as the neighbouring Cowdray Hall and Memorial Hall, over the next year and a half.
The buildings are scheduled to re-open in 2017.
Once complete, the new and improved Aberdeen Art Gallery, designed by Hoskins Architects, will include 10 additional gallery spaces, a new 5,381 sq ft space to showcase international exhibitions, and a community gallery located in a new wing towards the rear of the building.
It will also offer improved learning areas for schools and families.
Councillor Marie Boulton, the deputy leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “Through significant investment in the fabric of the buildings we will have new exhibition and display galleries and improved facilities for visitors.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to achieve something really special for Aberdeen and by rejuvenating and improving these much loved buildings, we will create a world-class cultural centre which will celebrate art and music for all.”
The project has been bankrolled in part by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which awarded almost £10million to the development, while Aberdeen City council has already committed £10million from its non-housing capital fund.
The final £10million will come from a “public and philanthropic fundraising campaign”, said a council spokeswoman.
McLaughlin and Harvey director Michael Kieran 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 improve this facility.
“The finishing building will provide the city with an art gallery that will rank amongst the best in its class.”
During the renovations, the Aberdeen Art Gallery’s collections will be on loan to various organisations around the UK and abroad.
A new Museums Collections Centre in Northfield will also display items from the collections when it is completed.
