Burrell revamp succeeds in £15m HLF grant bid

Burrell CollectionPlans for the refurbishment and redisplay of the Glasgow’s Burrell Collection have gained the support of £15 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The award includes a grant of £1m to help Glasgow City Council take the £66m project to the next stage of the application process.

The pledge towards the project, which will add extra floor space and quadruple the exhibits on display, comes after the city council revealed it would approved the next stage in funding for the development.

The Burrell Collection opened its doors to the public in 1983 and received international acclaim.



But the building that houses the collection, in the heart of Pollok Country Park, is said to no longer be fit for purpose and in need of a full refurbishment and redisplay.

Only 20% of the collection – donated to the city by collector Sir William Burrell in 1944 – is now on display as many items have had to be removed to protect them from damage.

The plans will see the Category A-listed building retain its impressive architectural footprint and façade in Pollok Country Park, but after the refurbishment, a major overhaul of the roof, building fabric, interior and ageing plant, will create an entirely new experience for visitors.

The building will also be an exemplar of sustainability, transforming it from a building that has a large carbon footprint, into an energy efficient, modern museum. The refurbished building will meet a significant portion of future energy requirements by using renewable sources, both within the building and the wider country park.



Colin McLean, head of the HLF in Scotland, said: “The Burrell Collection was one of the greatest gifts ever given to a city and the seed that helped Glasgow grow into the thriving cultural centre it is today.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we are delighted to support plans to breathe new life into it so that it can continue to be a place of joy and inspiration for local, national and international visitors for many years to come.”

Heritage grant applications are assessed in two rounds. A first-round pass is given when HLF has endorsed outline proposals and earmarked funding, and may also include an immediate award to fund the development of the project.

Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at the second-round and, as long as they have progressed satisfactorily, the money for the project will be confirmed.



Nine scientific, industrial and cultural heritage projects around the UK are set to receive nearly £100m in investment.


Share icon
Share this article: