Latest news with #Alexander"Greek"Thomson
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Scottish Government intervene in Glasgow O2 ABC site plans
In a notice published by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA), stakeholders were informed that SNP ministers had taken control of the decision on the future of the half-demolished O2 ABC site 'in view of the proposed development's potential impact on the nationally important Category A-listed Glasgow School of Art'. The plans, which were approved by Glasgow City Council on June 17, are for a nine-storey block of student flats, which would include a ground-floor food hall, a pub, a takeaway, and various landscaping works at 292–332 Sauchiehall Street. A motion lodged at the Scottish Parliament by Labour MSP Paul Sweeney earlier this month claimed that the development would also encroach on 'key vistas' from the A-listed Centre for Contemporary Arts, designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson. The plans were approved by the council last month (Image: Vita Group) READ MORE: Government called on to intervene in Glasgow O2 ABC plans Paul said: 'It's quite clear that the scale of the proposed development that was conditionally approved is completely inappropriate in the context of the Glasgow School of Art. 'If that's the only viable form of development on that site, then clearly the whole master plan for redeveloping the Glasgow School of Art needs to be rethought." The Labour MSP said this could involve a trust or the Glasgow School of Art taking ownership of the site, a venue, a museum, or exhibition space, affordable housing alongside student housing, or a combination of everything. 'That's the scale of thinking we need,' he added. 'It's quite clear that the Scottish Government has taken a view that this does in fact merit their direct scrutiny.'It's quite unusual for them to call in an application of this nature. I would hope that they would be minded to reject the application altogether – or at the very least impose conditions that significantly reduce its height.' Glasgow's heritage groups have welcomed the news after previously slamming the council's decision to approve the plans. Stuart Robertson, director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, welcomed the news, he said: "I'm really pleased to see these not well thought through plans opened up for the kind of discussion they should have had in the first place. "The planning meeting seemed to include people who were really ill-informed about the whole thing. The hearing not being voted for was a mistake. "They were discussing the A-listed Mack like it didn't exist. "If these plans had been able to pass straight through, it would've opened up a can of worms for our city's heritage." The site was ravaged by fire in 2014 and 2018 (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Glasgow heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans READ MORE: Glasgow O2 ABC site plans approved for student accommodation Niall Murphy, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, says it was 'inevitable' that the plans were called in. He said: "There was an inevitability about this, given the national issues involved and also that there were issues in terms of relations to Glasgow's own planning policies with regards to the historic built environment. "Obviously, if something is affecting the A-listed Mackintosh, even if the Glasgow School of Art is not in a happy state at the moment, it will inevitably be restored at some point. "It is arguably the most important building in the city, and we need to acknowledge that somehow, and so it would be nice to see a little bit more sensitivity to the context. "I'm sure there's a win-win solution here where the developers could adjust their proposal accordingly and everybody walks away happy. "So we'll see." The fire devastated both buildings (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Row erupts over O2 ABC site plans as owners clash with Glasgow School of Art We attended the planning meeting on June 17, where councillors first deliberated over whether the proposal contained enough information to make a decision today, and a motion was offered to take the proposal to a hearing. A vote was taken, and the motion for the hearing was refused, with a vote of six to four. Then, after questions between councillors, the plans were approved by a vote of eight to two. Councillors were told that the proposal was made "as compact as it can viably be", despite the "admitted negative impact on the heritage buildings in the area." Ahead of the meeting, we reported that the Glasgow School of Art said the Sauchiehall Street plans put the rebuild of the A-listed Mackintosh building 'at significant risk'. Councillor Sean Ferguson spoke up during the meeting about the rebuild of the Mackintosh building. He said: "What context are we to consider this in? In no other situation would we be considering the impact on a burnt-out ruin of a building. Councillor Eva Bolander refuted claims that the Glasgow School of Art had no concrete plans to rebuild the architect's work. Professor Penny Macbeth, director and principal of the Glasgow School of Art, responded to the claims made in the meeting. She made it clear that there was a "stated commitment" from the Art School and that work was "currently being undertaken" for the reinstatement of the Mack. The chair of the meeting, Councillor Ken Andrew, approved. He said: "It's with some regret that I will support this. "On balance, I think that the benefits of developing the site outweigh the negatives." The student accommodation would feature 356 bed spaces, comprising 306 four, five, and six-bedroom 'houses' with a shared kitchen and lounge and 50 studio spaces. It would also feature a fitness centre, social and study spaces, café-style lounges, and cycle storage.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Government intervene in Glasgow O2 ABC site plans
The plans, which were approved by Glasgow City Council on June 17, are for a nine-storey block of student flats, which would include a ground-floor food hall, a pub, a takeaway, and various landscaping works at 292–332 Sauchiehall Street. A motion lodged at the Scottish Parliament by Labour MSP Paul Sweeney earlier this month claimed that the development would also encroach on 'key vistas' from the A-listed Centre for Contemporary Arts, designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson. The plans were approved by the council last month (Image: Vita Group) Read More: Mr Sweeney told the Glasgow Times: 'It's quite clear that the scale of the proposed development that was conditionally approved is completely inappropriate in the context of the Glasgow School of Art. 'If that's the only viable form of development on that site, then clearly the whole master plan for redeveloping the Glasgow School of Art needs to be rethought." The Labour MSP said this could involve a trust or the Glasgow School of Art taking ownership of the site, a venue, a museum, or exhibition space, affordable housing alongside student housing, or a combination of everything. 'That's the scale of thinking we need,' he added. 'It's quite clear that the Scottish Government has taken a view that this does in fact merit their direct scrutiny.'It's quite unusual for them to call in an application of this nature. I would hope that they would be minded to reject the application altogether – or at the very least impose conditions that significantly reduce its height.' Glasgow's heritage groups have welcomed the news after previously slamming the council's decision to approve the plans. Stuart Robertson, director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, welcomed the news, he said: "I'm really pleased to see these not well thought through plans opened up for the kind of discussion they should have had in the first place. "The planning meeting seemed to include people who were really ill-informed about the whole thing. The hearing not being voted for was a mistake. "They were discussing the A-listed Mack like it didn't exist. "If these plans had been able to pass straight through, it would've opened up a can of worms for our city's heritage." The site was ravaged by fire in 2014 and 2018 (Image: Newsquest) Niall Murphy, director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, says it was 'inevitable' that the plans were called in. He said: "There was an inevitability about this, given the national issues involved and also that there were issues in terms of relations to Glasgow's own planning policies with regards to the historic built environment. "Obviously, if something is affecting the A-listed Mackintosh, even if the Glasgow School of Art is not in a happy state at the moment, it will inevitably be restored at some point. "It is arguably the most important building in the city, and we need to acknowledge that somehow, and so it would be nice to see a little bit more sensitivity to the context. "I'm sure there's a win-win solution here where the developers could adjust their proposal accordingly and everybody walks away happy. "So we'll see."
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Tenement refurbishment completed in Glasgow's West End
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) has finished extensive repairs at 90-94 Park Road in the Charing Cross area, forming part of its broader investment plans for former Charing Cross Housing Association properties, following the transfer of nearly 500 tenancies in 2022. Karen Shaw, director of development and asset management at WSHA, said: "I am delighted to see the completion of the major repair work at Park Road. "To maintain and repair historical listed tenemental buildings can be expensive and challenging, particularly in mixed tenure blocks. (Image: Supplied) "But by obtaining owner buy-in through regular engagement and consultation, and with funding support from Glasgow City Council, we have been able to greatly improve the condition of the building, preserve its heritage, and extend its lifespan for the residents and future generations to live in and enjoy." The block, located within the Woodlands Conservation Area, is a C-listed building featuring stonework in the style of Alexander "Greek" Thomson. The project included re-roofing, chimney head repairs, stonework restoration, and replacement of rainwater goods. Work was carried out by EBS Construction Limited, with Mackie & Co. overseeing the project as contract administrator, principal designer, and quantity surveyor. The scheme was completed on time and within budget in March, at a total cost of £342,746. WSHA covered 41.77 per cent of the cost, totalling £143,165. Each owner in the building received 50 per cent funding support through the Private Sector Housing Grant from Glasgow City Council. Ms Grace, WSHA tenant and resident at 92 Park Road, said: "The quality of workmanship for the renovation is exemplary and the attention to detail is notable. "The close decoration is of a very high standard, as is the pointing on the sandstone. I'm delighted with the result." James Mackie, managing director of Mackie & Co., said: "The challenge in this project was to return the tenement to a finish in keeping with the conservation area and return properties to a weather-tight condition so that they require only routine maintenance over the next 40 years." Kathleen Leitch, private sector housing grants officer for GCC, said: "The refurbishment of the Park Road properties is exemplary of the kind of partnership working the council is keen to promote in working with the owners of mixed tenure pre-1919 tenements to help preserve the built heritage within Glasgow."
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Council could force sale of historic building
Glasgow City Council is considering whether to force the sale of a historic building which has lain empty for decades. The A-listed Egyptian Halls, designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson, has been covered by scaffolding for over 15 years. Next week councillors will consider whether to use a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to transfer the Union Street building to a new owner for a redevelopment, which includes plans for a food market and hotel. The council said the owner of the Egyptian Halls recently refused a bid to buy the building from a group led by arts guide The List and real estate company Ediston. Council papers said the proposals included a new food market or restaurant development on lower floors, with a hotel on upper floors. It would retain the existing building and create a "modest extension" to the roof for more floor space. A spokesperson for The List said: "The List is working closely with Glasgow City Council and a number of organisations to deliver something special for the city of Glasgow which brings the best of Scotland's food and drink together and restores the A-Listed Egyptian Halls." More stories from Glasgow & West Scotland More stories from Scotland The council said that having a "deteriorating building" at such a prominent site - opposite Glasgow Central Station - was having a "significantly detrimental economic, social and environmental impact" on the city centre. Built in 1872 as a commercial premises for an iron manufacturer, the Egyptian Halls is considered one of Thomson's masterpieces. The upper floors fell into disuse in the 1980s and the council said it had attempted to engage with the owner to bring the building back into use without success. And six years ago, the building was named among Europe's most at risk over fears its current state of limbo could rumble on for years until it is beyond repair. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said the Egyptian Halls was "rightly considered to be one of Glasgow's finest and most iconic buildings". But a spokeswoman said that the building required investment for structural and fabric repairs, as well as a modern fit-out. She said the building was in a "fair condition" and "reasonably weathertight" so it could realistically be used again. The Contracts & Property Committee will consider the CPO on Thursday 6 February. The council must consider proposals from any other interested parties, including the owner, before it can promote a CPO. This would transfer the property to a party who presents a viable plan for the future of the Halls. Ruairi Kelly, convener for built heritage at the council, said: "The Egyptian Halls are an architectural treasure of national importance right in the heart of our city. "Yet the pursuit of solutions leading to its repair and restoration have dragged on for decades. "While there remains no indication of a viable plan coming forward from the building's owners, the concern is the Halls continue to deteriorate." He said councillors will be asked whether "the time is right" to look at using CPO powers to acquire the building. Mr Kelly added: "CPOs can be lengthy and complex legal processes but this would be the first major step towards the repair and reuse of this beautiful building, bringing part of Glasgow's heritage back into city life, with so many positive impacts for our city centre." Niall Murphy, director at Glasgow City Heritage Trust, welcomed the move from the council and said it could help "bring the current impasse to a head". He added: "The situation needs to be resolved due to the blight being inflicted on Union Street. "The Egyptian Halls is Alexander 'Greek' Thomson's commercial masterpiece but, sadly, has been on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register since 1990. "Getting the building back into sustainable reuse will help regenerate this part of the city centre while ensuring a future for one of the architectural jewels in Glasgow's crown." Dundee businessman Derek Soutar, who owns the building through companies Union Street Properties Ltd and Union Street Investments Ltd, said he did not consider the recent offer to buy the Halls to be legitimate. He said his companies had "wasted so many years" attempting to collaborate with the council and Historic Environment Scotlandon proposals for the Halls, including a museum or a "Mackintosh-Thomson Mews" lane linking central station to Buchanan Street via an extension of Mitchell Lane. Mr Soutar said he would now look to pursue purely commercial options. Glasgow building among Europe's most at risk
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Council could force sale of historic Glasgow building
Glasgow City Council is considering whether to force the sale of a historic building which has lain empty for A-listed Egyptian Halls, designed by Alexander "Greek" Thomson, has been covered by scaffolding for over 15 years. Next week councillors will consider whether to use a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to transfer the Union Street building to a new owner for a redevelopment, which includes plans for a food market and council said the owner of the Egyptian Halls recently refused a bid to buy the building from a group led by arts guide The List and real estate company Ediston. Council papers said the proposals included a new food market or restaurant development on lower floors, with a hotel on upper would retain the existing building and create a "modest extension" to the roof for more floor space.A spokesperson for The List said: "The List is working closely with Glasgow City Council and a number of organisations to deliver something special for the city of Glasgow which brings the best of Scotland's food and drink together and restores the A-Listed Egyptian Halls." The council said that having a "deteriorating building" at such a prominent site - opposite Glasgow Central Station - was having a "significantly detrimental economic, social and environmental impact" on the city in 1872 as a commercial premises for an iron manufacturer, the Egyptian Halls is considered one of Thomson's upper floors fell into disuse in the 1980s and the council said it had attempted to engage with the owner to bring the building back into use without six years ago, the building was named among Europe's most at risk over fears its current state of limbo could rumble on for years until it is beyond repair. Historic Environment Scotland said the Egyptian Halls was "rightly considered to be one of Glasgow's finest and most iconic buildings".But a spokeswoman said that the building required investment for structural and fabric repairs, as well as a modern said the building was in a "fair condition" and "reasonably weathertight" so it could realistically be used Contracts & Property Committee will consider the CPO on Thursday 6 council must consider proposals from any other interested parties, including the owner, before it can promote a CPO. This would transfer the property to a party who presents a viable plan for the future of the Halls. 'Dragged on for decades' Ruairi Kelly, convener for built heritage at the council, said: "The Egyptian Halls are an architectural treasure of national importance right in the heart of our city. "Yet the pursuit of solutions leading to its repair and restoration have dragged on for decades. "While there remains no indication of a viable plan coming forward from the building's owners, the concern is the Halls continue to deteriorate."He said councillors will be asked whether "the time is right" to look at using CPO powers to acquire the Kelly added: "CPOs can be lengthy and complex legal processes but this would be the first major step towards the repair and reuse of this beautiful building, bringing part of Glasgow's heritage back into city life, with so many positive impacts for our city centre."Niall Murphy, director at Glasgow City Heritage Trust, welcomed the move from the council and said it could help "bring the current impasse to a head". He added: "The situation needs to be resolved due to the blight being inflicted on Union Street."The Egyptian Halls is Alexander 'Greek' Thomson's commercial masterpiece but, sadly, has been on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register since 1990."Getting the building back into sustainable reuse will help regenerate this part of the city centre while ensuring a future for one of the architectural jewels in Glasgow's crown."Dundee businessman Derek Soutar, who owns the building through companies Union Street Properties Ltd and Union Street Investments Ltd, has been approached for comment.
