One of Scotland’s best-known landmarks is to be transformed into a major visitor attraction.
A £7million three-phase plan will see Finnieston Crane in Glasgow become the centrepiece of a visitor centre, museum and restaurant.
The huge crane on the banks of the Clyde has become a symbol of the city’s industrial past, when Glasgow-built locomotives were hoisted on to vessels on the river and shipped to all points of the globe.
The ambitious scheme would create 50 jobs.
The first phase would see a restaurant built in the shadow of the famous structure’s 152ft jib.
Profits from the 122-cover quayside dining space, provisionally named Glasgow Fare, would be reinvested in restoring the 89-year-old structure, known affectionately by generations of locals as the Cran’.
Further phases would then get under way, including the creation of a coffee shop, auditorium and museum dedicated to the crane’s remarkable history.
The community interest company behind the plan, Big Cran’ Co, would also commission architects to find ways of taking visitors to the top level of the cantilever structure, which boasts stunning views across the city.
They have already leased the crane from owner Peel Ports and are now working with investors from both the private and public sectors.
Big Cran’ Co’s chairman Allan Wilson, a former MSP, said: “We believe this plan would have enormous benefit to the local community and would preserve an iconic part of Scotland’s heritage.
“The crane played an important part in Glasgow’s industrial past and we want to make sure it remains relevant.
“The project can also provide hope as we emerge from lockdown and give a significant economic boost to
the area.”
Other directors include architect and project manager Jacqui Nicol, who worked on the board which delivered the Kelpies in Falkirk, and economist Neil MacCallum.
Some cash streams for the project have already been secured with others, including an application for £300,000 from Historic Environment Scotland, pending.
