Glasgow School of Art seeks donations for campus extension

Bosses at GSA want to expand their Garnethill site with the purchase and refurbishment of the former Stow College

Published 21st Apr 2016

Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has launched an appeal to fund a major extension to its campus, with the restored Mackintosh building remaining at its heart.

GSA plans to expand its Garnethill site with the purchase and refurbishment of the former Stow College.

The school said the renowned Mackintosh building, being restored following a serious fire in 2014, "will return to its original academic configuration'' and as a home for all first-year students.

The Mackintosh Campus Appeal aims to raise a total of £32 million, with £17 million already secured.

GSA director Professor Tom Inns said: "The Mackintosh building fire required the school to pause and reconsider, but we are now moving forward to create a newly-extended campus with the restored Mackintosh building at its heart.

"The acquisition of the former Stow College site is a fundamental element of our new estate development strategy.

"It will mean that the GSA can bring together all pathways in the School of Fine Art in one specially-adapted building for first time in over 50 years.

"It will also mean we can create the space to support collaboration across our disciplines as well as with other academic, third-sector and industry partners.''

The GSA is expected to complete the purchase of the former Stow College site in the next few weeks, with the School of Fine Art moving into the building from autumn 2017.