Revamp makes it an open and shut case for art centre

The City Art Centre on Market Street, which houses the city's 3,000-piece collection of Scottish art, closed last April to allow for a 750,000 upgrade of its heating, lighting and ventilation systems.

It is due to reopen for the Edinburgh International Science Festival in April, but it will again close when the two-week festival finishes to allow for a separate 400,000 refit.

The second phase of the work – due to start in late April and not finish until late July – will include an upgrade of the centre's toilets, a new shop and a new reception and cloakroom area.

News of the second closure has angered members of the city's culture and leisure committee – who say they haven't been told about the plans and expected the centre to reopen early this year.

Councillor Paul Godzik, culture spokesman for the Labour group on the city council, said: "March 2010 was the date given to councillors. I am sure that everything possible is being done to meet that date, yet it will be of extreme disappointment if it is not met."

He added: "It is a significant public investment and you would think that the convener (of the culture and leisure committee) would keep the committee informed of any changes."

Cllr Gordon Buchan, the Conservative group's culture spokesman on the council, said: "It looks like a case of the project being delayed, which is disappointing.

"I would certainly hope, in terms of the city's cultural offering, that they can see the venue open fully refurbished as soon as possible because obviously at the moment people cannot enjoy the city's considerable collection that is on display at the centre."

The city's collection was initially housed in the former Royal High School on Calton Hill until an old warehouse on Market Street became available in the late 1970s.

Councillor Deidre Brock, the city's culture leader, said: "The City Art Centre will be reopening as planned for the Science Festival in April.

"After this, we will be further enhancing the visitor experience with a second phase of works on the building's ground floor that will include a new shop, reception, cloakroom and improved toilet facilities.

"The City Art Centre's fantastic gift shop was tucked away on the first floor previously, so moving it to street level will give this hidden gem increased visibility."

She added: "We want to make sure the City Art Centre is in tip-top condition."