The £30 million redevelopment will see the transformation of the Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and Memorial Hall through significant investment and building work.

A Heritage Lottery Fund grant of almost £10 million has been awarded for the ambitious Aberdeen Art Gallery redevelopment programme that will provide improved facilities for visitors.

Aberdeen City Council has already committed £10 million from its Non-Housing Capital Fund towards the overall cost of the project, and there will be a public and philanthropic fundraising campaign for the remaining £10 million required.

Interior plans include the creation of 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11,500sqm space in which to showcase international-quality exhibitions, and a community gallery in a new wing at the rear of the building.

Exterior plans involve removing the pitched roofs and skylights behind the parapets of the main building and adding a new storey of accommodation for temporary galleries and a learning zone.

Aberdeen City Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Marie Boulton said: “The formal hand over of Aberdeen Art Gallery’s keys to contractors McLaughlin & Harvey of Belfast is a key milestone in this multi-million pound redevelopment project.”

Michael Kieran, McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract and look forward to working closely with the Design Team and Aberdeen City Council to restore and improve this facility. The finished building will provide the city with an Art Gallery that will rank amongst the best in its class.”