Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum could be transferred to a trust

The ruling Labour Group will consider a new business plan which could raise millions of pounds for facilities and free up council funds for investment.

The plan could see the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Burrell Collection run by trustees.

Work on the business plan is scheduled to be completed by January 2007.

A meeting of the council's executive committee instructed officials to prepare detailed proposals for a new structure for the delivery of cultural and leisure services.

Potential investment

Steven Purcell, the council's leader, believed the move would bring major benefits in terms of improving the delivery of the services and providing fresh and innovative ways to fund them.

Mr Purcell said "We currently do a very good job of providing cultural and leisure services across the city but it is quite clear that the changes we are looking at would provide further opportunities in terms of funding, managing and delivering the services.

"There will be the potential for investment from trusts, foundations and the commercial sector that we as a council simply are unable to access."

He said that the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal had shown what could be achieved for arts and culture through "dynamic public/private sector partnerships".

The new body would manage museums, libraries, leisure centres and community halls, with the council retaining ownership of all assets.