European money pushes total to half of £9.2 million needed
May 25 2009
MARYHILL'S historic Burgh Halls have received a new and massive cash injection as the drive to restore them gathers pace.
We can exclusively reveal that the Halls have been awarded £1.279 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
The money means that around £4.5 million in funding has been secured and work is on course to begin in September and be completed in early 2011. The total cost is £9.2 million.
The money which comes from the “Lowlands and Uplands Scotland 2007-2013 (European Structural Funds) Programme” is the THIRD major cash boost in just FIVE months. In JANUARY the Heritage Lottery Fund announced £990,000 while in APRIL, the BIG Lottery Fund promised £980,000.
Welcoming the latest funding, Billy McAllister, Chair of the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, said: “This is great news and represents the biggest piece of funding to date as we endeavour to bring the halls back to life.
“There can be no better example of urban regeneration than our drive to restore and equip Maryhill Burgh Halls for the community and our city. We are delighted and very grateful to be receiving this European money. Such sizeable funding is a major boost to our work.”
Once restored, the Halls will be a 21st century community asset which will recapture the splendid historic beauty of one of the city's most treasured buildings.
The ERDF money is on top of the £1.25 million given over the past 3 years to the project from the Scottish Government's Cities' Growth Fund, delivered through Glasgow City Council.
The Scottish Government Housing and Regeneration Directorate has also supported the project with around £200,000 funding to date.
Crucially, the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust plans to announce other successful funding bids later this summer.
The regeneration project is being overseen by the Board of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, which comprises of people living or working within the local community and 3 key partner organisations - Maryhill Housing Association, Cube Housing Association and Glasgow City Council.
The City Council currently owns the halls but will transfer their ownership to the Trust.
Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, said: “The overall proposals will add a new dimension to the area and consist of a dynamic blend of well considered and sensitive historic building restoration with strong contemporary new build additions.”
Willy Briody, Director of Maryhill Housing Association, added: “This long-awaited restoration will re-awaken our historic burgh halls and deliver a much needed community asset. We're pleased to be playing our part in such an important restoration.”
Lynn McCulloch, Chief Executive of Cube Housing Association, said: “The Halls are one of the few remaining historic buildings in the area and are an important link to Maryhill's fascinating past. They were officially opened in 1878 but have lain empty for the past eight years. They are listed on the buildings at risk register and it's important for a community controlled landlord like Cube to contribute to the regeneration of the whole community and not just the housing”.
News release issued by Ross Wilson Public Relations www.rosswilsonpr.com on behalf of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust. Further information from Ross Wilson on 07768 280021.