Behind scaffolding for more than a decade, one of Glasgow’s architectural gems has faced demolition threats, urgent repair notices and been branded one of Europe’s most ‘at risk’ buildings, but now there is hope, reports The Herald Scotland.
image: Scottish Civic Trust
The Herald Scotland writes:
Despite its glorious facade, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s 19th century collonaded Egyptian Halls – regarded as a masterpiece of design – has seemed doomed to crumble and wither while debate lumbered on over its future.
Now after lying empty for more than 40 years, the A-Listed treasure appears to be on the brink of a new chapter which may finally see its future secured.
Conservation experts fighting for its restoration have secured funding to develop a business plan to examine how the landmark building can be revived – a vital route into securing funding for its takeover.
It is a major milestone after decades of wrangling and sets The Egyptian Halls working group, led by the Scottish Civic Trust, on course to wrestle it from its private owners and bring it into public ownership.
That, however, could be a messy battle: Dundee based property developer Derek Souter, who has owned the Union Street building with two others since 2000, said they are also in the midst of moves to secure a new future for the building, with plans which include turning the upper floors of the building into a hotel or apartments….
For more background see the Scottish Civic Trust
