Plans to extend church approved
APLANNING application to build an extension on to Govan Old Church has been given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Submitted by JM Architects on behalf of Govan Heritage Trust in May, the planning application asked for the A-listed building to be considered for an extension which would allow for an office space, as well as a future events venue and public space.
Glasgow City Council has now granted full planning permission subject to conditions.
The church was closed in 2007, with Govan Heritage Trust taking control of the building in 2015.
In the planning application, JM Architects noted: “The existing upper ground floor of the church is currently used as a visitor space for the Govan Stone and occasional use for community gatherings.”
The plans also suggested using the space for events such as weddings and concerts in the future, as well a single-tenant office space to help cover running costs of the building.
JM Architects said: “This planning application constitutes the second of five phases, namely the creation of an extension to the main church building of Govan Old which will contain office space for occupation by a single tenant as well as toilet provision and a lift which will service the public-facing functions of the church building to enhance access for users as well as allow the main church building to function as a venue for events such as weddings, concerts and gatherings.
“It is intended that the office space will be future-proofed to allow for this space to become a cafe to service the main church building should the business plan for the overall development require it.”
The extension will expand on to the gardens of Govan Old Church, with JM Architects explaining the potential to expand a “cultural circuit”, stretching from the West End to the building.
The firm said: “With the construction of the pedestrian foot bridge, Govan Old would lie at the end of what might be seen as a ‘circuit of culture’, extending into Glasgow’s West End along the Kelvin Walkway.
“Along this route lies the Riverside Museum, Kelvin Hall and Kelvingrove Museum, with several of Glasgow’s other key cultural amenities, including the Hunterian Museum and Glasgow University, also being within walking distance.
“The site presents the opportunity to add to and consolidate a cluster of cultural institutions whilst also providing a hub for visitors from which to explore these amenities and the wider Govan area.”
Govan Old would lie at the end of what might be seen as a ‘circuit of culture’