ReGlasgow

NEXT Stage In Effort To Save Historic High Street ‘Architectural Gem’

13 March, 2021 | Listed / Historic Buildings

A CAMPAIGN to give a new lease of life to a Glasgow landmark which needs £1.2million of repairs is looking for public feedback.

Not-for-profit contemporary art gallery Civic Room commissioned a report into the condition and possible future uses of the Linen Bank building at 215 High Street.

Funding was provided by The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) and Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) for the study.

Civic Room state: “This report demonstrates that, despite the current condition of the building, 215 High Street is an architectural gem capable of being restored and refurbished for a new use and, as the last remaining historic fragment on this section of the High Street, it is worth retaining as part of a wider urban regeneration, interpretation and contemporary arts strategy.

“CIVIC 215 will transform the historic High Street Linen Bank building into a cultural landmark for future generations. Civic Room is investigating cultural, community and commercial uses of the building to develop a sustainable future for 215 High Street.

“Our shared vision includes a programme of contemporary art exhibitions and events, an accessible space for community groups and a unique venue for commercial events.”

Civic Room use ground floor space for exhibitions and there are flats above. There is a two-storey empty shop unit to the rear and a connecting single-storey section which has more Civic Room accommodation and a roof level drying green.

Various options for the future include gallery space, a community cafe, education room, meeting room for rent and an artist-in-residence flat.

The study by Page\Park architects states: “The current occupation of the ground floor by Civic Room gives the building public use which can be built upon in conjunction with commercial activity -– providing the building can be improved.

“The condition study has costed fabric repair works at £1.2million — a not insubstantial sum, and funding streams to secure grant assistance need to be sought.”

Civic Room has now put a public survey online saying it is vital they hear from people about their ideas for the building before proceeding with the next steps of the project.

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