Artwork unveiled outside Provan Hall
ANEW community artwork celebrating the 500-year long history of Provan Hall has been installed in Auchinlea Park. The 30-metre-long mural was created by digital artist Janie Nicoll using original works produced by the local community, including pupils from primary schools and participants from the Saturday Art Club, Nu Gen and Art Factory at Platform in Easterhouse.
Its installation marks the start of a major restoration of one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city.
Thanks to a unique partnership between Glasgow City Council, local community organisations and the National Trust for Scotland, Provan Hall is set to become a unique new heritage visitor attraction, and in January this year the council awarded a £2 million contract to restore the 15th century building.
Following restoration, the Provan Hall Trust will manage the site as a unique setting for local people and visitors to learn about Glasgow’s medieval past.
The trust – which brings together the Friends of Provan Hall, local community organisations and the council – will deliver a wide-ranging programme of educational activities and events.
Ian Montague, chair of the Provan Hall Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see the restoration works now underway at Provan Hall, and a welcome boost to the area.”
The restoration is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland and Glasgow City Council.
Provan Hall and Auchinlea Park will also be developed as a new visitor gateway to the Seven Lochs Wetland Park.
Councillor Maureen Burke, chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership, said “The installation of this new community artwork and the restoration of Provan Hall is a testament to the dedication of many local volunteers who have been working towards its restoration for over 10 years.
“Its restoration will see another crucial part of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park come into being.”
The restoration works, which started in January, will take more than a year to complete and the newly restored building will be open early next year.