Award-winning architects have designs on art gallery

Award-winning architects Gareth Hoskins Architects of Glasgow have been chosen to create a design study to ensure Aberdeen Art Gallery is fit for purpose for the 21st century. This marks the first stage in an exciting project to modernise and enhance the gallery as it celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2010. The firm's clients include the Victoria & Albert Museum, The National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland.

Given the Art Gallery's pivotal position close to His Majesty's Theatre, the Belmont Picturehouse, citymoves, the Central Library and Union Terrace Gardens, the ongoing development of a cultural quarter will be enhanced by the development.

This design study phase will be financed by the Marguerite McBey Trust, which was established in May 2001 to disburse the bequest of Mrs McBey to fund projects which promote contemporary art and the work and life of her husband, the celebrated artist, James McBey. The Trust also supports the wider work of the Art Gallery & Museums Service. The Marguerite McBey Trust is chaired by Dr Ian McKenzie Smith CBE, past president of the Royal Scottish Academy.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public, cultural organisations and business partners to be involved in shaping the outcome of the Design Study.