Work to dismantle fire-ravaged Mackintosh Building progresses

Work to dismantle fire-ravaged Mackintosh Building progresses

New pictures show the painstaking work to dismantle parts of Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building after it was gutted by a second devastating fire.

Experts ruled that sections of the renowned building had to be removed on safety grounds after flames tore through the art school on June 15.

The fire took hold amid a major restoration project following another large blaze at the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed school in 2014, with nearby properties including music venue the O2 ABC also affected.

Workmen dismantle parts of the Mackintosh building
The fire is the second to devastate the Mack in recent years (David Cheskin/PA)

They confirmed on Wednesday the work which began last week has been going to schedule, with three cranes operating on site for 12 hours almost every day.

The central section of the south facade, above Sauchiehall Street, has been lowered and the south-east staircase – one of the most fragile areas of the building – has been taken down safely.

Cranes at the Mackintosh building
Work is continuing to dismantle parts of the school (David Cheskin/PA)

Where stonework has been assessed as significantly damaged and too dangerous to lift off the building, it has been pushed into the interior.

Professor Tom Inns, Glasgow School of Art director, said: “The GSA’s priority is to make the Mackintosh Building safe and stable so that the community can return to their homes and businesses at the earliest possible moment.

“Our contractors are working hard to achieve this and are currently on schedule.”

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –