The future of historic towers up for debate
GLASGOW’S skyline could be set to change forever as the future of two gasometers is up for debate.
For more than 100 years, the towering gas holders at Provan have loomed over the city. Now residents are being asked for their opinion on the future of the giant structures, which played a major role in the city’s industrial development.
It comes two months after the gasometers in Kelvindale were also put out for consultation, with residents being asked if they considered them an eyesore of a landmark.
Throughout the country, similar structures have already started to be dismantled in Johnstone, Coatbridge, Ayr and Alloa.
According to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) the gasometers, owned by gas firm SGN and National Grid, are of architectural significance.
A report by HSE states: “Glasgow was the most significant market for gas supply in Scotland and currently has no designated structures related to this now redundant technology. Sites where ancillary gasworks buildings survive are now extremely rare.”
The Provan structures are among the largest of their kind in the country, and were constructed in 1903 to hold up to 283,000 cubic metres of gas.
But the site is included in regeneration plans developed by Glasgow City Council, and could be gone forever.
Local councillor Allan Casey, of the SNP, is encouraging residents to have their say on the historic landmarks be- fore Thursday, when the consultation closes.
He said: “The towers have gained an affection among Glaswegians since they were used to display huge placards promoting the ‘Glasgow’s Miles Better’ campaign.
“I have already had a number of constituents contact me sharing their opinions.
“I will include all communications I receive in my response the consultation.
“I believe the community should have a say on the future of a well-recognised part of the Glasgow’s landscape and it is very important they have a voice in their future.”
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “As part of the heritage designations review we were asked to undertake by SGN, we are consulting on the listing of two of the three gasholders at Provan, Glasgow.
“These two structures date from 1903, and were in use until 2011, forming a key part of what was once the largest gasworks in Scotland. They are being considered for list- ing alongside the gasholders at Temple Street in Glasgow, Well Street in Paisley and at Grange Road in Dunfermline.
“We welcome the consultation responses that we have received so far. These will inform which, if any, of the four gasholder sites will be designated. After the consultation closes this week, we will consider the responses received before making the owners of the sites, local authorities and the public aware of the decisions.”