The complex, which is earmarked for around 60 acres of derelict land in the Granton area, will become home to more than 130,000 works in the care of the National Galleries.

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The complex will bring its collection which is currently not on display under the one roof for the first time and replace a number of other buildings which are said to be “over capacity and not fit for purpose”.

However The Art Works will also operate as a new public attraction at the heart of the £1.3 billion regeneration of Granton’s waterfront.

The National Galleries of Scotland is behind The Art Works project. (Image: McAslan & Partners)

And the new complex is also expected to be shared with the National Museums under the government’s support package and plans to develop the wider areas as a “National Collections Hub”.

The National Galleries said the level of funding for The Art Works, which is expected to cost more than £90m to create, would allow it to “proceed with confidence” on the project.

It is expected to step up efforts to secure philanthropic support for the project, which it says will “future proof” how Scotland’s national art collection is cared for, while opening it up to full public access for the first time.

The National Galleries is pursuing The Art Works project. (Image: McAslan & Partners)

Finance secretary Shona Robison announced £11.65m in new funding for The Art Works project in the Scottish Budget, which also included £2.5m worth of support for a long-awaited refurbishment of the King’s Theatre.

The National Galleries told The Herald it has been pledged a further £44.3m, which it is expected to receive over the following three years.

Ministers had previously approved £9.3m for The Art Works, which is earmarked for a site for a site, between Waterfront Avenue and West Granton Road, which is roughly equivalent in size to two playing fields.

However the project had effectively been in limbo since the National Galleries secured planning permission in October 2023.

The National Galleries stepped up pressure on the government to ensure the project went ahead, warning it was vital to secure the future of its collection and avert the risk of a “catastrophic failure” at once of the buildings it currently used to store works of art.

Anne Lyden, director-general of the National Galleries, said: “We’re thrilled that Scottish Government has committed £11.65 million in anchor capital funding for 2026-27, and a further £44.3million over the next three years for The Art Works to go ahead.

“This means we can proceed with confidence and continue to seek philanthropic donations to fully fund the build.

“We’re so excited to be able to deliver our commitment to build a new, free-to-visit home for Scotland’s art collection.

“The Art Works will give greater access to art not just for people in Edinburgh but by enabling us to lend more art across Scotland.

“Our focus now is on delivering The Art Works, part of the National Collections Hub, making the best use of public investment while continuing to care for and share the national collection for the benefit of current and future generations.

“We remain committed to working constructively with partners, ensuring that art remains accessible, inspiring and valued for communities across Scotland.”

 A spokesperson for the government said: “The Art Works development in Granton is set to receive capital investment of £11.65m in 2026/27.

“In total it will receive nearly £56m across the Scottish spending review period which is up to 2029/30, subject to the usual budget process.

“This will help them realise the vision of a shared storage facility which will also enable public access to our national art treasures at the heart of a wider regeneration initiative for the Granton area.

“The Art Works funding is subject to a due diligence process in line with the Scottish Public Finance Manual which must be concluded before any grant can be made.”

A spokesperson for the National Museums said: “In recent months, we have begun to work more closely with the National Galleries and now intend to align the two existing masterplans for the development of our adjacent facilities in Granton into a single, shared project.

“This approach aligns with the Scottish Government’s public service reform agenda, being more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective, and will see us working together to improve collections care and expand access to the national collections.”