Latest news with #EgyptianHalls
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Council seeks ideas for 'architectural treasure'
Glasgow City Council is seeking development ideas for a crumbling "architectural treasure" in the city centre which has sat vacant for more than 30 years. The category A-listed Egyptian Halls, designed by visionary Scottish architect Alexander "Greek" Thomson 150 years ago, has been on the buildings at risk register since 1990. After a number of planning applications fell through, the council began in February to investigate the possibility of using a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), which would allow it to acquire the property without the owner's consent. The building's upper floors are privately owned by Dundee businessman Derek Soutar through two companies who have appealed against the CPO. The building on the city's Union Street, close to Glasgow Central Station, was listed for sale by agent Ryden. It described it as a "hallmark" of Thomson's style. It was built in 1872 as a commercial premises for an iron manufacturer. However it has long been derelict in the upper floors, with the ground floor partly occupied by storefronts. Scaffolding has been in place for 15 years, which the council previously said "is not being used to facilitate repairs, conversion or maintenance or serving any structural need, and is causing environmental, social and economic blight". In March, Glasgow City Council issued a defective building notice which requires the owner of a building to bring it back into a reasonable state of repair. A CPO would legally allow the council to acquire the property for its own use or to facilitate development by another party. A council committee has approved an investigation period for its use. During this time, interested parties, including the private owners, can put forward proposals for the "repair, repurposing and future active reuse of the property", according to the listing. If a proposal meets the development brief, a successful CPO would transfer ownership. A closing date for proposals has been set for 17 October. The current owners would also have the option to sell until then. Due to the private ownership, viewings of the 51,529 sq ft space are not possible. Mr Soutar - who owns the building through his companies Union Street Properties Ltd and Union Street Investments Ltd - said the CPO would "wipe out 27 years of private sector investment". He added that he seeks to find a "mutually reconcilable position" and is working on a pre-application for development. The council said: "No applications for planning permission for reuse have been submitted by the current owners since 2012, and two recent engineering reports state that the continued decline in the overall building fabric has arisen through a prolonged lack of occupation and ongoing maintenance." Ruairi Kelly, the council's housing and development convenor, described the property as "an architectural treasure of national significance". "In gauging the market interest we'll know what the opportunities for the future of this architectural gem can be," Cllr Kelly said. He added: "Right now, the transformation of our city centre is gathering real pace. "Giving the city's built heritage new purposes and new futures is part of that and I've no doubt the Egyptian Halls can be a centrepiece in the Glasgow of the 21st century." More on this story Council could force sale of historic building Glasgow building among Europe's most at risk
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Egyptian Halls listed for sale as council seeks development plans
Glasgow City Council is seeking development ideas for a crumbling "architectural treasure" in the city centre which has sat vacant for more than 30 category A-listed Egyptian Halls, designed by visionary Scottish architect Alexander "Greek" Thomson 150 years ago, has been on the buildings at risk register since a number of planning applications fell through, the council began in February to investigate the possibility of using a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), which would allow it to acquire the property without the owner's building's upper floors are privately owned by Dundee businessman Derek Soutar through two companies who have appealed against the CPO. The building on the city's Union Street, close to Glasgow Central Station, was listed for sale by agent described it as a "hallmark" of Thomson's was built in 1872 as a commercial premises for an iron it has long been derelict in the upper floors, with the ground floor partly occupied by has been in place for 15 years, which the council previously said "is not being used to facilitate repairs, conversion or maintenance or serving any structural need, and is causing environmental, social and economic blight". In March, Glasgow City Council issued a defective building notice which requires the owner of a building to bring it back into a reasonable state of repair.A CPO would legally allow the council to acquire the property for its own use or to facilitate development by another party.A council committee has approved an investigation period for its this time, interested parties, including the private owners, can put forward proposals for the "repair, repurposing and future active reuse of the property", according to the a proposal meets the development brief, a successful CPO would transfer ownership. A closing date for proposals has been set for 17 October. The current owners would also have the option to sell until then. Due to the private ownership, viewings of the 51,529 sq ft space are not Soutar - who owns the building through his companies Union Street Properties Ltd and Union Street Investments Ltd - said the CPO would "wipe out 27 years of private sector investment".He added that he seeks to find a "mutually reconcilable position" and is working on a pre-application for council said: "No applications for planning permission for reuse have been submitted by the current owners since 2012, and two recent engineering reports state that the continued decline in the overall building fabric has arisen through a prolonged lack of occupation and ongoing maintenance."Ruairi Kelly, the council's housing and development convenor, described the property as "an architectural treasure of national significance". "In gauging the market interest we'll know what the opportunities for the future of this architectural gem can be," Cllr Kelly added: "Right now, the transformation of our city centre is gathering real pace. "Giving the city's built heritage new purposes and new futures is part of that and I've no doubt the Egyptian Halls can be a centrepiece in the Glasgow of the 21st century."
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow city centre 'architectural masterpiece' up for sale
The A-listed Egyptian Halls building, designed by renowned architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, has been empty and derelict for decades but the council is looking at using a Compulsory Purchase Order to take it over. As part of the process, the council is looking for a developer to come forward with a proposal to bring it back into meaningful use. READ NEXT: Out of school care centre warned it doesn't meet legal standards Applications are invited with a deadline of October 17. The brochure by Ryden, under instruction from the council, describes the six-storey Union Street building as 'a unique architectural and historic asset' with the council prioritising its 'repair, repurposing, and future active reuse'. In February this year, the council agreed to look at CPO powers to take it over after decades of inaction from the current owner. Its intricate and distinctive stonework is currently hidden behind scaffolding. The building was built between 1870 and 1872, a 'hallmark' of Thomson's distinctive Greek Revival style. The brochure states: 'It remains internationally recognised as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture.' Last month, it was decided an incentive of £150,000 will be on offer to the developer chosen to revamp the historic landmark. READ NEXT:Work on West End street to start next month and last two years The building is currently owned by two companies — Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties — both run by Dundee businessman Derek Souter and his partners. They will also be invited to submit proposals to the council and are able to sell the property voluntarily at any point until the CPO is secured. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Built Heritage, Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: 'This is a key milestone in our efforts to return the Egyptian Halls to full life and restore their rightful place as an architectural treasure of national significance. 'Securing a commercial operator to take on the repair and reuse of the Halls is a core part of the CPO process which began earlier this year. In gauging the market interest we'll know what the opportunities for the future of this architectural gem can be. 'Right now, the transformation of our city centre is gathering real pace. Giving the city's built heritage new purposes and new futures is part of that and I've no doubt the Egyptian Halls can be a centrepiece in the Glasgow of the 21st century.'
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'Key milestone' in efforts to return Egyptian Halls to full life
Considered a masterpiece by renowned architect Alexander "Greek" Thomson, the Egyptian Halls was constructed between 1870 and 1872 as a commercial premises for an iron manufacturer. As one of Thomson's earliest commercial commissions, the building is a hallmark of his distinctive Greek Revival style. Thomson is widely regarded as one of the most influential architects of his era, with his legacy visible throughout Glasgow and across the UK. READ MORE: Council approves potential forced sale of Glasgow's Egyptian Halls Sale of Glasgow Egyptian Halls could be forced by council Could Glasgow's Egyptian Halls be heading for a new dawn? The building spans approximately 51,500 sq ft over six floors and features a striking blonde sandstone façade in the classical Greek style. The property has been vacant and derelict at the upper floors - only the ground floor is partly occupied - for over 30 years and been on the national Buildings at Risk Register since 1990. Scaffolding has been in place for 15 years but is not being used to facilitate repairs, conversion or maintenance or serving any structural need. The prolonged inactivity has led to a significant deterioration in its condition. As a result, Glasgow City Council issued a Defective Building Notice in March 2025. Current owner Derek Souter and his business partners - Union Street Properties and Union Street Investments - acquired the building in the 1990s following a council CPO. In February this year, a Glasgow City Council committee gave approval to the investigation of the use of CPO powers to acquire the building after a bid by a consortium led by publisher The List was rejected. The building has been on the national buildings at risk register since 1990 (Image: NQ) Before it can promote a CPO, the council must determine if there are other interested parties as well as considering any proposals which the owners might bring forward at this stage. The building is located in a prominent site and the council says it has engaged in discussions surrounding the condition in recent years but to no avail. The current owners of the building have submitted no planning permission applications since 2012 and recent engineering reports have shown a continued decline in the building. Now commercial property agent Ryden is advertising the building as a potential development opportunity on the instructions of the council. The council is inviting proposals from interested parties for the repair, repurposing and active reuse of the building. Proposals must include a development appraisal and business plan/case. A closing date for offers has been set for Friday, October 17. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Built Heritage, Housing and Development at [[Glasgow City Council]], said: 'This is a key milestone in our efforts to return the Egyptian Halls to full life and restore their rightful place as an architectural treasure of national significance. 'Securing a commercial operator to take on the repair and reuse of the Halls is a core part of the CPO process which began earlier this year. In gauging the market interest we'll know what the opportunities for the future of this architectural gem can be. 'Right now, the transformation of our city centre is gathering real pace. Giving the city's built heritage new purposes and new futures is part of that and I've no doubt the Egyptian Halls can be a centrepiece in the Glasgow of the 21st century.'
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Grant for developer of Glasgow's Egyptian Halls approved
The funding — which will be dependent on the completion of a compulsory purchase — is expected to go towards 'bricks and mortar' construction work, rather than feasibility studies. Glasgow City Council is investigating the possibility of buying the rundown Alexander 'Greek' Thomson-designed halls on Union Street, where the upper floors have been lying empty for decades. If a compulsory purchase order (CPO) goes ahead, the property could then be transferred to a developer to bring it back into use. A development brief is set to be published this month, which will be made available to interested parties. They will have 12 weeks to submit proposals. READ MORE: Grant on offer for potential developers of Glasgow's Egyptian Halls It was previously revealed a consortium, including the publisher of the List magazine, with plans for a food market and hotel are keen to take on the halls. The building is currently owned by two companies — Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties — both run by Dundee businessman Derek Souter and his partners. They will also be invited to submit proposals to the council — and are able to sell the property voluntarily at any point. Councillors backed the potential grant at a meeting of the city administration committee on Thursday. Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, the council's convener for built heritage, said the aim of the grant is to 'instigate interest and ensure we have got credible bids coming forward'. It is also to 'assure any organisation that we will be an active partner in bringing the Egyptian Halls back to purposeful use', he added, and to 'signify our dedication to supporting whichever organisation is successful through that procurement process'. The cash would be released at an 'appropriate point', with milestones to be set during any renovation project. Cllr Kelly said it is intended to fund 'bricks and mortar construction work, rather than feasibility studies or planning or anything like that'. READ MORE: 'Glasgow deserves better': Heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans He added there was 'no doubt' the developers would require funding from other sources, whether 'investors, heritage organisations, or wherever else the prospective bidder says they are going to raise the funding from'. Cllr Kelly's paper came after councillors supported a recommendation to investigate the use of CPO powers in February. Officials will evaluate proposals for the halls against a criteria which will include how they intend to retain and use the building, previous experience, timeframe and deliverability and funding. A preferred proposal could then be selected, with the council promoting a CPO to buy the building for the chosen party. The plan would be for the council to enter a 'back to back agreement' with a developer. It would include obligations to have planning permission, show reasonable attempts to voluntarily buy the property and an undertaking to 'meet all of the council's costs including compensation payable as a consequence of the CPO'. Cllr Kelly previously said CPOs can be 'lengthy and complex' but it would be 'the first major step towards the repair and reuse of this beautiful building'.
