Christmas Grinch steals Springburn Public Halls
December 29 2012
As most folk were polishing off their turkey leftovers contractors sealed off Keppochill Road to begin a process of dismantling the historic structure, which has lain derelict for a quarter of a century.
That period of inactivity is contrasted by the lightning quick demolition process which has seen the site practically cleared in just two days.
It is claimed that the Edwardian baroque structure, designed by William Brown Whitie in 1899, had deteriorated to such a state that its existence posed a heath and safety issue for locals.
RCAHMS and Historic Scotland have now removed the Halls from their Buildings at Risk register.
The demolition is not without past precedence however; GCC previously knocked down the A listed Coliseum on Bridge Street, Napier House Govan, Elder Park Primary, Dalmarnock tenements and (most infamously) Bath Street’s Elgin Congregational Church which was levelled on Christmas Eve 2004 following a fire.
It is likely that the site will be sold off for development
No attempt has been made to preserve the facade
Open windows had allowed vermin and water ingress, destroying ornate interiors
Springburn's Winter Gardens are in a similarly decrepit state
The Halls were disconnected from Springburn town centre when a dual carriageway was driven through the neighbourhood
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12 Comments
#1 Posted by Gameboy on 29 Dec 2012 at 20:29 PM
I see Patricia, Mrs CHALMERS Former Member, Glasgow City Council. For services to Built Heritage in Glasgow was given an OBE in the new years honors list. If she had anything to do with this, over the years, she should send it back! The carved statues of the woman holding a steam engine and the other with a railway wheel can never be replaced - shame on Glasgow. They spend million just along the road over the years but had no money for this B-Listed building - disgrace.
#2 Posted by Phil McEwan on 30 Dec 2012 at 08:56 AM
Shame on Glasgow City Council
Absolute Disgrace
Absolute Disgrace
#3 Posted by wendy smith on 30 Dec 2012 at 23:33 PM
I am disgusted by Glasgow City Council and amazed that they organised Burnfield Demolition so quickly during a holiday period !
#4 Posted by Gameboy on 31 Dec 2012 at 13:12 PM
The front two statues were removed before demolition and are now in storage, according to the Evening Times. But the carved sandstone Glasgow Council Crest and historic message weren't so lucky.
#5 Posted by Paul Sweeney on 1 Jan 2013 at 23:38 PM
The two James Sherriff female sculptures from the front of the building, representing 'Locomotive Manufacture' and 'Engineering' were salvaged by the contractor prior to the bulldozers moving in to destroy the building; though that is of course a small comfort! They are currently at the contractors yard in Dennistoun, awaiting removal to a council store and an uncertain future. Let's hope they don't end up like the Townhead Public Library sculptures; sold off at auction by Glasgow City Council to an American millionaire. They should have any conservation work that might need carried out done as soon as possible and then immediately put back in a public location in Springburn. North Glasgow College or Springburn Leisure Centre could be an interim location for them, then ultimately the restored Springburn Park Winter Gardens. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/row-as-city-statues-set-sail-for-the-us-1.286687
#6 Posted by James Mitchell on 3 Jan 2013 at 12:40 PM
I suspect that it was the councils unwritten plan to let the building rot beyond repair then demolish it. Look around the rest of the City and you can see facades that have been saved and restored and turned into Offices or Flats. And it seems that land is now being sold off for development. Private housing?
Turn your eyes towards the beautiful Winter Gardens in Springburn Park. There has been an attempt to raise funds to repair damage done to its foundations and restore it to its former glory. I dont know who it is who is raising the money or what sum they have at this period in time.
Here is a link that tells the story of the Winter Gardens and the park itself from the generation that actually used the place like myself, family and friends.
Remember, Watch this this space!!
Turn your eyes towards the beautiful Winter Gardens in Springburn Park. There has been an attempt to raise funds to repair damage done to its foundations and restore it to its former glory. I dont know who it is who is raising the money or what sum they have at this period in time.
Here is a link that tells the story of the Winter Gardens and the park itself from the generation that actually used the place like myself, family and friends.
Remember, Watch this this space!!
#7 Posted by wonky on 3 Jan 2013 at 16:02 PM
Some of these wonderful ornate features could have been recycled and used creatively in the much talked of George Sq fountain or incorporated into new projects in Springburn- why can't we transpose valuable architectural features onto other projects in other parts of the city?
#8 Posted by Neil Collins on 7 Jan 2013 at 14:14 PM
What a upsetting sight. It was back in my day a very proud building and in my grandfathers day a much loved place. Shame on you GCC for letting this building get into this state. Shame on you.
#9 Posted by Peter Collins on 9 Jan 2013 at 11:23 AM
Disgraceful.
The two statues should be displayed around the locomotives in the museum of transport.
The two statues should be displayed around the locomotives in the museum of transport.
#10 Posted by David O'Neill on 11 Jan 2013 at 11:37 AM
And so the systematic rape of Glasgows Architectural heritage continues, what visionaries we have representing us in the city chambers, we are truly blessed?.......... Morons!
#11 Posted by Peter Davit on 26 Jan 2013 at 00:02 AM
Absolutle disgust at Glasgow City Council for the aparent disregard for Springburns heritage. This once proud area of Springburn and its proud past has been systematically destroyed by our governing council. Absolute shame on you!!!
#12 Posted by james annoyed on 15 Feb 2013 at 21:04 PM
what a waste, attended boxing there as a boy block of flats now no doubt, not even a thought to save the more ornate stonework.
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