Demolitions extended at Glasgow’s Custom House
February 22 2018
It had been hoped to retain adjoining properties at 1-5 Dixon Street, also B-listed, but an investigation into the party wall between both sections uncovered issues with cracking and water ingress such that ‘the remaining parts will not be capable of reasonable repair’.
Investigations by Hurd Rolland and David Narro Associates found that an exposed gable wall is showing signs of bowing and ‘structural distress’, likely brought about by the earlier demolition of another section of the terrace and compounded by a drooping floor – although the building is not thought to be in danger of collapse.
In a heritage statement Hurd Rolland wrote: “It is concluded that what might conceivably be retained of the original listed building after the completion of the emergency demolition works would be of such a reduced level of architectural and historic interest that this interest would no longer be considered special.”
Artisan Real Estate Investors alongside Sheppard Robson Architects are progressing plans for a twin hotel and aparthotel project on the site and had originally envisaged making use of the classically styled tenement to house a number of bars and restaurants.
A 2013 fire has led to extensive water ingress
Permission is now being sought to take down properties at 1-5 Dixon Street
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26 Comments
#2 Posted by Ez on 22 Feb 2018 at 16:35 PM
Sad. Sad. Sad. Left to ruin
#3 Posted by Chrissie on 22 Feb 2018 at 17:18 PM
This is making me so sad, I live in Lancashire now and praised Glasgow for getting it's act together in the 60s and stopping knocking the old Victorian city down in favour of renovation. What was the point if cynical developers are allowed to let buildings go to rot while waiting to say that they can't be saved!!!So Sad to treat my beautiful elegant home city so badly!!
#4 Posted by SJF on 22 Feb 2018 at 18:40 PM
Why is it that Glasgow seems to have so little respect for it's built heritage?
Surely the last 50 years have demonstrated how building standards have decreased so far that it takes a mysterious 'fire' and years of willing neglect to kill off Georgian and Victorian infastructure. Well..... actually it continues to resist despite best efforts as on their own admission it still isn't at risk of collapse!!
"Not capable of reasonable repair", i'm sure it could be easily if they REALLY wanted to!
Surely the last 50 years have demonstrated how building standards have decreased so far that it takes a mysterious 'fire' and years of willing neglect to kill off Georgian and Victorian infastructure. Well..... actually it continues to resist despite best efforts as on their own admission it still isn't at risk of collapse!!
"Not capable of reasonable repair", i'm sure it could be easily if they REALLY wanted to!
#5 Posted by Chris Ditchfield on 22 Feb 2018 at 19:27 PM
Whatever happened to retaining facades and constructing new build behind? I'm sure substantial parts of this building could be salvaged to the benefit of the hoteliers and the City. This smacks of a cynical ploy to save cash.
#6 Posted by Ian Thomson on 22 Feb 2018 at 20:00 PM
Why has this just came out after planning permission, something dodgy again in Glasgow.
#7 Posted by Al on 22 Feb 2018 at 20:15 PM
This is very sad!!!
Absolutely shocking that yet another piece of our unique past is being destroyed!
Disgusted with the powers that be in this city!!
Absolutely shocking that yet another piece of our unique past is being destroyed!
Disgusted with the powers that be in this city!!
#8 Posted by Jamie on 22 Feb 2018 at 20:50 PM
The truth...
This beautiful building went on fire a few years ago mysteriously when the Hilton hotel firm tried to buy custom house quay and it was in the way of their plans which you can see on Clyde side regeneration project site on line.
Things obviously didn’t go to plan as historic Scotland or some organisations got involved but 2 or 3 years later this decision has been made to demolish it.
I’m convinced this was all planed to make it all look like a proper procedure was in place.
Why was some protection not put over the roof to stop the rain getting in back then?
This makes me think a lot about how historic Scotland or those people who are supposed to protect our listed buildings work.
Are they in cahoots or have some kind of other arrangements with big developers????
Remember, once these stunning old buildings have gone that’s it and they can never come back.
Why in this day and age is this still allowed to happen?
Only in Glasgow.
That building can be put rite or the outside at least ,
What a stunning stunning building when you have a good look at it.
Anyway, someone’s pocket will be lined with silver at the end of the day and some history gone forever that could have been saved.
Jamie
This beautiful building went on fire a few years ago mysteriously when the Hilton hotel firm tried to buy custom house quay and it was in the way of their plans which you can see on Clyde side regeneration project site on line.
Things obviously didn’t go to plan as historic Scotland or some organisations got involved but 2 or 3 years later this decision has been made to demolish it.
I’m convinced this was all planed to make it all look like a proper procedure was in place.
Why was some protection not put over the roof to stop the rain getting in back then?
This makes me think a lot about how historic Scotland or those people who are supposed to protect our listed buildings work.
Are they in cahoots or have some kind of other arrangements with big developers????
Remember, once these stunning old buildings have gone that’s it and they can never come back.
Why in this day and age is this still allowed to happen?
Only in Glasgow.
That building can be put rite or the outside at least ,
What a stunning stunning building when you have a good look at it.
Anyway, someone’s pocket will be lined with silver at the end of the day and some history gone forever that could have been saved.
Jamie
#9 Posted by Billy on 22 Feb 2018 at 21:44 PM
Someone has to held accountable for the loss of our heritage. Leaving listed buildings to rot should come with a hefty fine and reclaimed from the landlord for the original purchase price. In France and Germany they restore the buildings. We should too. We are losing the rich beautiful buildings of the past making way for ugly and bland New builds with a shelf life of 20 -30 miserable years. A few hefty fines and reclaiming of at risk buildings for a low price or no cost might make landlords sit up or sell up if they neglect their responsibilities. The city should refuse planning permission for periphery builds until all vacant listed buildings are brought into use with some leniency on sympathetic extensions. Better retaining some of our heritage than losing it all because of too strict planning permission.
#10 Posted by PMG on 22 Feb 2018 at 21:50 PM
GCC should approve this ASAP. The building is beyond repair and there’s potential for a huge addition to Glasgow Main Street. Custom House will be retained, I think if both were going I would be more concerned but right now I want this development to get moving before it turns cold and stalls like so many before it.
#11 Posted by Allan on 22 Feb 2018 at 22:15 PM
Yes. Really sad that historic Glasgow is being empied of it’s historical buildings. Buildings that give Glasgow it’s unique identity.
Shame!
Shame!
#12 Posted by Grace Gracie on 22 Feb 2018 at 22:25 PM
Absolutely disgusting what our city fathers have done and continue to do to our city and heritage. Glasgow’s rich architectural history and historical buildings are being systematically destroyed. Glasgow city council planners must be making big big bucks from kick backs from developers. There will be no beautiful architecture left in our city, soon it will be modern monstrosities that will dominate. Our council and councillors should hang their heads in shame.
#13 Posted by Jim McGrath on 22 Feb 2018 at 23:17 PM
As above, why not at least retain the facades?
#14 Posted by alexg on 23 Feb 2018 at 00:10 AM
Once again Glasgow City Council have let us down. If the developers have changed their intentions after the fact then planning permission should be withdrawn.
#15 Posted by Ian Timpany on 23 Feb 2018 at 02:48 AM
Glasgow doesn't deserve its heritage.
#16 Posted by Angela Boyd on 23 Feb 2018 at 07:33 AM
It'll come to the point when every tourist will just head to Edinburgh! even though as they say, you can have a better time at a Glasgow funeral... I'm actually surprised there's no been a mysterious fire yet or are we just leaving them to rot these days?
#17 Posted by Tess on 23 Feb 2018 at 10:12 AM
If our built heritage is important we need better legislation to proactively protect it.
#18 Posted by David O'Neill on 23 Feb 2018 at 10:16 AM
This is typical of developers, they would have known this, when they bought the properties they would have had a survey done. Now they just wand to add a modern eyesire and destroy more of Glasgows Architectural heritage, reject this application!
#19 Posted by Austin Flynn on 23 Feb 2018 at 10:43 AM
We had the problem in Perth with the City Hall which has now been saved? only to be glitterized and turned into an art gallery at the whim of the artistically bent council. My mother had a saying "they do not know their arse from their elbow". similarly they do not understand the difference between art and culture.
#20 Posted by Iain Mundell on 23 Feb 2018 at 13:03 PM
Why. Is. Anyone. Surprised?
#21 Posted by John McManus on 23 Feb 2018 at 21:19 PM
So after getting planning permission for adapting it for commercial purposes it has to come down-Now there's a surprise!
#22 Posted by Ollieman on 26 Feb 2018 at 17:22 PM
Unfortunately the condition of the Sandstone is so bad that it would probably require 75% indenting and most of the detailed stone molding would need replaced too. So realistically I don't think there's a good argument for facade retention unlike the 311-345 Argyle street which someone else here has mentioned.
#23 Posted by Johnny on 9 Mar 2018 at 08:47 AM
Comments the are not helping.
We need direct action to hold these gangsters to account.
We need direct action to hold these gangsters to account.
#24 Posted by Terra on 17 Apr 2018 at 07:22 AM
Terrible news.
#25 Posted by in reality on 17 Apr 2018 at 08:10 AM
Great news. The original Custom House building which has lain empty for decades is being saved at the expense of a poorer quality later lean-to that will have to be demolished before it falls down.
#26 Posted by Steve Ross on 9 Jun 2018 at 14:47 PM
Again...another beautiful building being demolished. Shame on you Glasgow.
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What with that and 311-345 Argyle Street likely to come down, it'll soon be hard to call the city 'Victorian' with a straight face.