October 10 2012

Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery has appointed SHS Burridge Architects to carry out a feasibility study into a multi-million pound revamp and extension of its current home.

The report, which is due to be published by the end of the year, will look at expanding existing gallery space by as much as a third through utilisation of existing airspace (subject to height restrictions), reclaiming a basement area above Waverley Station and/or purchase of an adjacent gap site.

This will enable large-scale works to be displayed and would dovetail with a general modernisation of services; such as heating and lighting, as well as upgraded catering and toilet facilities.

If a subsequent bid for capital funding from Creative Scotland proves successful (which is thought likely) a design competition will be held in 2013.

Gallery director Fiona Bradley told the Scotsman: “Richard Murphy’s building, which won several awards, was absolutely fantastic at the time and became a real flagship for the city.

“But the fact is that the programme we want to put on here has now outgrown the building and we have got to the stage where we think we need to look at its various restrictions and limitations.”

3 Comments

Post your comments

Your name (required)
Your email (not displayed)
Comments (required)
	All comments are pre-moderated and must obey our house rules.