WINTER GARDENS WILL BE FIXED
City commits to saving treasures
THE People’s Palace and Winter Gardens glasshouse will be repaired and retained.
The council is planning to spend three quarters of a million pounds on a survey covering all aspects of the buildings to determine how much work is needed to both to secure their future.
A bid to ask the National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding is also being prepared.
The Glasshouse was closed on Hogmanay last year following a structural report raised concerns.
After a £350m refit the People’s Palace Museum re-opened but the steel structure of the glasshouse was still in need of work.
Other glasshouse structures, mainly in the city parks, are currently being reviewed following the discovery
Now, part of a £750,000 fund will be used for the design work and survey to prepare detailed costs to restore the glasshouse.
The council said there are a number of “givens” associated with the famous building in Glasgow Green.
They are, retaining the existing glasshouse structure, revitalising and enhancing the museum displays and content and maintaining free public access for the museum and events.
If agreed by councillors next week, a detailed condition survey of all the infrastructure within all of the building such as heating, electrics, ventilation and plumbing will also be undertaken. The council will be looking at other sources of funding for the overall restoration, although the total cost is not yet known. Then an exercise to gather views on what the future usage should be will be carried out
David McDonald, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council and chair of Glasgow Life said: “The People’s Palace is one of the city’s most cherished places.
“We want the building’s future to be rooted in its past heritage, remaining as a focal point for the neighbouring communities, while finding new and innovative ways to tell the city’s story. In line with the city’s wider priorities, the People’s Palace could also take on a refreshed role in helping us address a wide range of issues such as contributing to wellbeing and good health as well as promoting civic and democratic engagement.
“We want to hear from the people. The people of Glasgow must be fully involved in co-creating the plan for the future for the People’s Palace.
“We want to get the widest range of views and draw upon the knowledge, expertise and passion of as many stakeholders and interested parties as possible.”