The £25m contract is for full construction management services to deliver the entire restoration project, which will be structured over two main phases.

The first phase starts in July 2016 and will see the construction of an external envelope to make the building wind and watertight. Work on the fire damaged stonework of the library elevation will start immediately and the roofs over the east and west wings will be replaced. The main works to restore the west wing and upgrade the east wing interiors will start in spring 2017.

The Mackintosh Building was severely damaged by fire on 23rd May 2014.

Kier will be responsible for co-ordinating the stone, joinery, electrical, decorative and all other aspects of the main reconstruction. The company will work in partnership with the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) to appoint and manage teams of craft specialists who will undertake specialist aspects of the restoration, including stained glass, lighting based on original designs, and the pulse mechanisms of Mackintosh’s slave and studio clocks. Main contractor work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2019.

The design for the restoration is being led by PagePark Architects.

‘All the companies that bid for this contract provided extremely comprehensive, competitive bids,’ said Liz Davidson, senior project manager for the Mackintosh restoration. ‘It was clear that an enormous amount of preparation, research and genuine understanding of the project had been undertaken and demonstrated.’

She said: ‘The final assessment was made on the basis of a 60:40 Quality:Cost appraisal and the wining tenderer therefore had to strike a fine balance between offering good value and exceptional quality.

‘Kier provided the GSA with a tight, extremely well-structured, highly competent and confident bid – combined with a competitive tender price. The team they have assembled have a depth of experience and knowledge combined with solid construction methodology and practice.

“They convinced GSA of their organisational abilities to deliver a highly successful project, deliver good community benefits for local employment targets and social enterprises, and engage with the range of skilled crafts people and sub-contractors which will be essential to move this project from excellent to world class.’

She added: ‘I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to our enabling contractor – Taylor & Fraser Ltd – for the highly professional and accommodating manner in which they have worked with GSA to stabilise, de-risk and prepare the building for this next phase of construction.’

Kier Construction Scotland managing director Brian McQuade said: ‘The Glasgow School of Art is an internationally recognised building and it’s a huge honour to be working on restoring such a culturally significant project.

‘Kier has extensive experience on working on iconic buildings including the Royal Opera House and the recently announced Edinburgh College of Art and our appointment is testament to the dedication and talent of the team.’