Plan for St Peter’s Seminary revamp collapses
● Arts company pulls plug on huge project – and says it will close this year
Multi-million-pound plans to turn a neglected architectural masterpiece into a new cultural venue have collapsed after the demise of the company behind the project.
One of Scotland’s leading arts organisations, NVA, has pulled the plug on its efforts to breathe new life into the St Peter’s Seminary in Argyll, after deciding it could not guarantee it a “viable future”.
NVA, which spent more than a decade planning the rebirth of the former training centre for priests at Cardross, near Helensburgh, also announced its own closure in September.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I have asked Historic Environment Scotland … to consider longer-term options so this unique site can continue to fascinate and inspire the public.”
NVA has been responsible
0 NVA had hoped to turn the long-abandoned St Peter’s Seminary building in Cardross into a cultural venue for some of Scotland’s most ambitious arts projects since it was formed by Angus Farquhar in 1992, including Glen Lyon in Perthshire, the Old Man of Storr on Skye, and Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
It has blamed the pursuit of the “high-risk” revamp of St Peter’s, as well as the loss of long-term Creative Scotland funding in January, for its demise.itsannouncementhas come despite NVA declaring it had a “strong mixed economy model” combining public funding, private donations and self-generated income.
Designed by Glasgow architects Gillespie, Kidd and Coia, St Peter’s opened in 1966 but only served its original purpose for 14 years before a brief spell as a drug rehabilitation centre in the 1980s.
NVA said it had decided to shelve its plans for St Peter’s, which were to be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, due to the project’s “increasing risks”.
Its statement added: “NVA’S original plan for St Peter’s was universally acknowledged as bold, with creative ambition at its heart. It was also recognised as a high-risk venture for a small, independent arts organisation.
“NVA has spent many years working with great passion and determination, with the support of the owners of the site, the Archdiocese of Glasgow, to save this iconic building for future generations.
“Importantworkwasdoneto begin to preserve and restore the building and to demonstrate the immense creative, intellectual and community potential of the site.
“However, despite our best efforts we were unable to guarantee the viable future for St Peter’s that we had imagined and hoped for.”
Ms Hyslop added: “It is very sad NVA has taken the decision to close. It has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative public arts companies in the country, and many people will have fond memories of its productions, installations and performances.”
A Creative Scotland spokeswoman said: “We appreciate how difficult this decision has been for NVA’S board and staff and will continue to offer support and advice.”