Glasgow School of Art fire ravages Kier restoration work

Image: Police Scotland

All of the work that contractor Kier has undertaken at the Glasgow School of Art since 2016 as part of its £35m restoration project is likely to have been destroyed in an “exceptionally significant” fire.

Kier Construction Scotland was contracted to do the work after a first fire damaged the Mackintosh building in Glasgow’s Renfrew Street in 2014.

The contractor was expected to complete the restoration work in early 2019.

The latest blaze broke out on Friday evening (15 June). At its height, 20 fire appliances and 120 firefighters were engaged in tackling it.

Scotland Fire and Rescue Service’s deputy assistant chief officer Peter Heath told the BBC: "Regrettably the building has been extensively damaged. The engineers will get in once we have finished but I would need to advise people that the damage to this building is exceptionally significant. It has affected all parts of the building."

A Kier spokesperson said: “An agreed fire safety strategy was implemented for the build phase of the Mackintosh restoration project, which combined measures for the protection of all those entering the site to work and to alert the authorities in the event of an outbreak of fire. 

"These included a smoke and heat detection system and regular evacuation tests as well as 24-hour, seven days a week security and fire warden patrols by a team of three guards, originally appointed by the client after the 2014 fire and subsequently by Kier.

"We continue to work with and support Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our client as they determine the next steps for the Mackintosh building and site.

"We have a passionate team of local construction and crafts people, skilled conservators, supply chain and engineering specialists who have worked incredibly hard on this iconic landmark, and together we are all keen to do whatever we can to help moving forward.”

Kier’s work was being undertaken in two phases, with the first phase involving the reinstatement of the roof and replacement and repair of fire-damaged stonework.

The second phase involved restoring the west wind and upgrading the east wing interior of the school. 

Meanwhile Miles Glendinning, a professor of architectural conservation, raised the prospect that BIM could play a role in the building’s reconstruction.

Quoted in the Telegraph, he said that the building “still exists digitally” and that the only barriers to rebuilding it were time and money.

Muriel Gray, chair of the board of governors, at the Glasgow School of Art said: "It is an understatement to say everyone is utterly devastated but as usual the GSA Executive Team, staff and students, have been outstanding, positive and supportive. 

"We now have a difficult waiting game until Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Glasgow City Council and associated agencies have completed their investigations into the condition of the building.  We remain hopeful of as positive an outcome as possible because it is clear that the love for the Mackintosh and recognition of its importance to Glasgow and the wider world is shared by absolutely everyone."