MORRIS and Spottiswood has completed the first phase of its restoration of the Glasgow School of Art.

The business, named as the third biggest shopfitters in the UK in last week's Retail Week awards, has completed the initial stage of the £1.8million project on the Charles Rennie Mackintosh building.

The work is aimed at boosting visitor numbers from the current 20,000 a year to 33,000 by enhancing the overall experience.

It involves restoring original features of the A-listed structure, one of nine buildings on campus.

The three-year project, commissioned by Glasgow School of Art, and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland, is the largest and most ambitious conservation project ever on the building.

Mechanical, electrical and remedial works are being followed by a further programme which will continue next summer to restore the original features and reinstate rooms to their original purpose.

The final phase is due for completion in December 2009 to coincide with the building's centenary.

The contract, awarded in July, comes as the company tries to position itself as a fit out and renovation specialist as well as a shopfitting firm.

Business unit head Tony Ward said: "Glasgow School of Art has a heritage inextricably linked with one of the world's best known artists, designers and architects of the 20th Century.

"To be involved in a project which aims to restore and reveal the full glory of what is arguably one of the best examples today of Mackintosh's work is a very prestigious deal which the bid team are delighted to have won."

Last week the business was named as the third largest shopfitter in the UK for the second year in a row.

In Retail Week's annual league table the company came in third with a turnover of £125m, which was up from £101m in 2005.

Chris Saxton, Morris and Spottiswood chief executive, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the entire team and we're thrilled to have maintained such a strong position in the league table this year.

"The UK market for shopfitting has demonstrated year-on-year growth over the last five years and we expect this to continue with many retailers looking to improve the look of existing stores with expansions and refurbishments."