BUILDERS behind the restoration of the Glasgow School of Art have confirmed their contract will end with immediate effect following this month’s devastating blaze.

Kier Construction was appointed to restore the iconic structure in 2016, with work set to be completed in January next year.

But its painstaking work went up in flames earlier this month when a fire ravaged the architectural masterpiece overnight.

Yesterday, hopes the building could still be saved lay in ruins as it was confirmed sections will have to be torn down for safety reasons.

In a joint statement, the contractor and Glasgow School of Art said: “Following the fire on 15 June, the Glasgow School of Art and Kier Construction Limited confirm they have jointly concluded that the current contract for the Mackintosh Building restoration will end with immediate effect.

“Both parties agreed that the current contract could no longer be fulfilled or completed.

“Kier Construction Limited was appointed in June 2016 as main contractor to deliver the works for the restoration of the Mackintosh Building. At contract award the value was circa £25m and the works were scheduled for completion in January 2019.

“The Glasgow School of Art acknowledges the work Kier Construction Limited and its appointed sub-contractors had undertaken to date.”

Work to dismantle parts of the building will take place within days amid fears over the stability of the structure.