Reiach and Hall Architects selected for Fruitmarket upgrade

The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh has appointed Reiach and Hall Architects to lead the refurbishment of its existing gallery and the opening-up of the neighbouring warehouse building for active cultural use. The redevelopment will create a brand new space offering fresh opportunities for installations, performance and cross art-form collaboration including live music, dance and theatre. 

For forty years, the gallery has been a key part of Scotland’s cultural landscape, and in 2017 attracted over 190,000 people to its exhibitions and events. Neil Gillespie, Creative Director of Reiach and Hall, said: "The exploration and presentation of contemporary art and art practice at an international level in Scotland is effectively carried by a handful of arts organisations. The Fruitmarket Gallery is a prominent member of this important group. We are delighted to have been selected, against extremely strong and respected architectural practices, to assist The Fruitmarket Gallery in their ambition to extend the scope and breadth of the gallery’s capability, influence and reach."
 
The need for change was first identified around ten years ago, with a previous selection process culminating in the appointment of Hoskins Architects to create a large-scale refurbishment and extension. Unfortunately, the gallery was unable to secure the necessary support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which put a stop to the project. Following a feasibility study into a more modest proposal, the gallery engaged the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland to manage the new procurement process. 

Eighteen practices submitted a European Single Procurement Document with relevant examples of their work. Dr Fiona Bradley OBE, Director of The Fruitmarket Gallery, praised the clarity of Reiach and Hall’s approach, stating: "They understand the local importance and international impact of The Fruitmarket Gallery, and we believe that they are the right practice to help us deliver a brave and progressive project."

So far, the gallery has secured around 75% of the funding needed for the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

This competition was first published on 21.08.2018 by TenderStream here

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