Two of Scotland’s leading architects have raised concerns that a ‘flawed’ tender system could see the Glasgow School of Art’s rebuild decided on price rather than quality.
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…cultural importance of the world-renowned Mackintosh building should prevail, with the right team chosen over the cheapest price…
Scottish Construction Now writes:
Much of the world-renowned building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was extensively damaged when a fire broke out in June 2018 as it neared the end of a £35 million restoration by Kier following a previous fire that destroyed the west wing in May 2014.
Paul Stallan, the co-founder of Glasgow-based Stallan-Brand, told The Herald that he believes the cultural importance of the world-renowned Mackintosh building should prevail, with the right team chosen over the cheapest price….
Professor Alan Dunlop has backed his fellow architect’s concerns and believes a trust should be formed to take the rebuild project forward.
Prof Dunlop told The Herald that under this procurement process, there is a danger that the lowest cost will determine the appointments, not the best architect and team for the project….
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has also spoken out, saying it supports a procurement process that balances cost with achieving the best possible design outcomes.
A RIAS spokesman said: “The RIAS are in support of a procurement process that balances cost with achieving the best possible design outcomes. This is a vitally important building for the city of Glasgow, and we would like to see a process which supports the very best architects to compete to produce a building of outstanding quality.”
Eleanor Magennis, GSA director of estates, said: “We fully understand the concerns and complexities around procurement that have been shared and for the Glasgow School of Art we have worked hard to ensure the procurement process is robust and transparent…”
