REPORTS that a major art gallery in Glasgow is to be closed as part of council budget savings have been dismissed by the local authority as speculation.
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) opened in 1996, with the building previously housing the Royal Bank of Scotland and Royal Exchange in the heart of the city.
A former townhouse, it is also widely known as the backdrop for the Duke of Wellington statue – famous for having a cone placed on top.
However, it was reported on Wednesday that the exhibits inside could be moved and the site sold as Glasgow City Council aims to cut around £50 million from its budget.
A savings option paper seen by the Glasgow Times suggests plans could involve "rationalising within the Lighthouse" or "relocate Modern Art to Kelvinhall".
It adds: "In relation to GoMA; financially GoMA attracts rates relief of £250,000 annually.
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"If declared surplus this would be lost. Disposal of the building would probably have to be the preferred option."
As part of the budget setting process, elected members hear from all groups ahead of putting forward official proposals which are then voted for at a later date.
The SNP-minority administration has set February 20 for its decision, but no formal plans have yet been published.
A spokesman for the local authority said: "Glasgow City Council will need to make budget savings which could be in the region of £50 million.
"The cross-party budget working group asked officers for savings options.
"All parties have received the same information and they will present their budgets at a meeting on February 20."
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