Thousands of pounds worth of repairs are likely to be delayed at Hamilton’s most iconic building due to the coronavirus outbreak.
South Lanarkshire Council pledged their support to save Hamilton Mausoleum by agreeing to allocate £475,000 towards the much-needed repairs in March, just as the country entered lockdown. However, plans have since been put on hold because of the pandemic.
But those campaigning to save the mausoleum are doing their best to “push ahead” behind the scenes in order to secure the building’s future.
A spokesperson for Hamilton Mausoleum Trust said: “Due to the pandemic, it looks like the time frame for starting on the mausoleum repairs may be delayed possibly into 2021.
“The trustees meantime are working to develop a number of reports and look forward to resuming meetings with the council.”
Hamilton Mausoleum Trust have been constituted and registered with the OSCR Scottish Charity Regulator and have teamed up with a number of architects who offered their professional help voluntarily.
Hamilton Mausoleum Trust and the Glasgow Institute of Architects joined forces to invite design ideas to save the mausoleum and nearby Keeper’s Lodge for the cultural benefit of future generations.
A competition was set up seeking ideas for the re-imagining of both buildings, connecting them to the Low Parks masterplan.
The buildings have potential for use as events space, exhibition space or an interpretation centre for local history but there are no limits on the potential use you can propose.
Ideas are welcomed that consider the mausoleum, lodge and their setting holistically with an emphasis on benefits to the town and its community.
The competition is open to young architects, with a first prize of £1000, and runs until the end of September.
The trust now has over 200 members and has attracted attention from all over the world.
For further details on how you can become and member and learn more about the positions within the trust, contact them on Facebook.
David Booth, general manager of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted and delayed many areas of our work. However we hope that we will soon be in a position to put the work required at Hamilton Mausoleum out to tender.”
