Historic Glasgow building could be taken over by community

A historic Glasgow building could be taken over by the community.

Langside Hall, an A-listed building in Shawlands, has been shut since 2017 for repairs.

However a Glasgow City Council meeting heard there had been an expression of interest in the hall via the People Make Glasgow programme – which enables communities to run venues.

SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly said there would be hopefully be a positive outcome for the building, which could see it reopen and potentially upgraded.

Langside Halls is currently on Glasgow's Buildings At Risk Register as it did not have a plan for occupancy.

Kelly, who is convener for housing and development, said he expected further information soon.

He added he hoped there would be a "positive outcome that not only reopens it to the public but entails community ownership and management and also secures the much needed funding required" for facilities there."

He said the plan would "ensure that it is used as a long term asset in the community."

It is understood Glasgow Life has been working with Langside Halls Trust and the local authority to bring the Shawlands building back into use.

The update on the situation was given after Scottish Greens councillor Holly Bruce asked what is happening to ensure Langside Halls is kept under council or community ownership.

Kelly also said £250m has been spent over the last decade on the wider city's heritage buildings and assets.

He said stewardship of the city's buildings has not always met the public's expectations."

He added that the council manages 97 operational heritage properties, including the city chambers and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.