ALLOWING the closure of a historic 130-year-old landmark in Glasgow would be an act of “cultural vandalism,” the Scottish Government has been told as ministers have been urged to intervene.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Queen’s Park Glasshouse will close in August as Glasgow City councillors said the operating costs to keep the historic building open had become “unsustainable”.
The proposed closure of the B-listed building has sparked concern among locals, with some councillors saying they have been “inundated with complaints”.
Scottish Greens MSP Holly Bruce has called on the Scottish Government to intervene and has warned that much of the city’s built heritage has already been lost.
“The Queen's Park Glasshouse is iconic and rightly celebrated by people throughout Glasgow and beyond,” she told The National.
“I've received hundreds of emails from local residents who are concerned about the potential closure and the historic and cultural vandalism that it would represent.
“So much of Glasgow's heritage has been lost or built over, which has meant a reduction in free to use public space and access to essential facilities like public toilets. This would be another massive blow for our city.
“I hope that the minister will take up my offer to visit the site together so that they can meet with local campaigners and see first-hand what our city stands to lose.”
Staff working at the Queen’s Park Glasshouse are to be moved to other parts of the parks service and it has been reported that the Scottish Rural College, which has held classes at the location, is also looking at other premises according to the council.
A spokesperson for the Glasgow City Council said the decision to close the building was made following the budget agreed by councillors in February 2023 that required more than £49 million worth of savings.
“Operating costs for services delivered by GCC at the Glasshouse have been found to be unsustainable,” they said.
Adding: “We will continue to work on identifying a suitable, sustainable use for the Glasshouse and we are working with Glasgow Building Preservation Trust on how best to maintain the building for a future tenant.”
Responding to Bruce’s call for the Scottish Government to intervene, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Mairi McAllan, said: “This government appreciates the historic and community value of the Queen's Park Glass Houses.
“The responsibility for their operation rests with Glasgow City Council."
She added: “However, I am very happy to engage with the council and with partners, such discussions can include help to facilitate access to relevant funding programs, encouraging partnership and community-led approaches, and ensuring that the council has advice and guidance from Historic Environment Scotland on suitable conservation.”
It comes after the Scottish Government announced it will establish a partnership group to support the redevelopment of the People’s Palace in Glasgow.
Business Minister Tom Arthur said he recognises the building's national cultural and historic significance and its role in the regeneration of Glasgow’s east end.
The People's Palace has been closed since April 2024 for £36m worth of refurbishment works to be carried out, and was due to reopen in 2027.
However, the charity that runs the city's cultural attractions, Glasgow Life, said that timelines for the project are “continuing to evolve”.
Arthur said: “At the heart of the People’s Palace redevelopment project is an ambitious vision for the local communities in the east end of Glasgow.
“This project will use a community-led approach to create a museum by the people, for the people.”
