To start on glasshouse
WORK to dismantle the dome of a historic glasshouse will begin on Monday. But council bosses insist the local community will be consulted on the future of the popular Queen’s Park structure.
They say they work is vital following the recent partial collapse of part of the dome.
Iain Robertson, Director of Land and Property Services, said: “Our first priority must always be to protect public safety.
“Unfortunately the current condition of the glasshouse dome does present a danger to the public that must be resolved as a matter of urgency.
“Carefully dismantling the dome addresses the safety issue, but also give us a chance to preserve the structure for future use.
“The glasshouse is much cherished by the local community and we are looking at its long term future as part of the city wide review of glasshouses.
“The community will be fully involved in whatever plans we seek to bring forward at a later date.”
The council said the dome will be set aside to ensure that parts of the structure can be preserved while long terms plans for the glasshouse are developed.
Closed to the public since 2017 due to safety concerns, the dome has continued to deteriorate and its structural stability can no longer be guaranteed, especially during high winds.
The issue has come to a head after the recent, partial collapse of a section of glazing within the dome.
To prevent any further uncontrolled collapse of the structure, which could also affect adjoining parts of the glasshouse, dismantling work by a specialist contractor will begin on Monday.
It is estimated the work will take approximately five weeks to complete.
The aim of the work is to preserve the integrity of the remaining architectural features of the listed structure, and allow time to complete the on-going review of all the city’s glasshouses, which includes the Queen’s Park Glasshouse.
A council spokesman said the approach has been developed by technical specialists and engineers, and agreed with historic buildings agencies.
Engagement with local interest groups and stakeholders will also be undertaken in due course.