EXCITING plans to bring one of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings back to life is helping to create jobs for young people.
Maryhill Burgh Halls is undergoing a £9.2 million restoration thanks to a massive community effort led by the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust.
And as the work continues, new apprentices have been hired to join the highly skilled team working on the project.
Contractors Graham Construction have taken on two young apprentices and a third will join them later this year.
YOU’VE BEEN FRAMED.......APPRENTICES DAVID McCLURE AND DANIEL DONNACHIE WITH PART OF THE HERITAGE OF THE HALLS – A REPLICA STAINED GLASS WINDOW WHICH IS PART OF THE RESTORATION
Seventeen year olds David McClure from the city’s Robroyston area and Daniel Donnachie from Springburn are both hard at work on the project which is due for completion next year.
Once restored, the Halls will be a fabulous 21st century community asset and be developed into a modern public hall, cafe, 11 offices, a commercial and a community recording studio, a nursery, meeting rooms and courtyard garden.
Both teenagers whose apprenticeship is in joinery have been employed by Graham thanks to the involvement of Glasgow North Regeneration Agency.
They will return to North Glasgow College in August to continue their studies while also continuing to work on site at the halls.
David said: “This is very interesting job to be working on as part of our apprenticeship. It won’t be long until the halls once again become something that local people can be proud of and we’re pleased to be playing our part.”
Daniel added: “ We’re delighted to be involved in the restoration of Maryhill Burgh Halls and also very grateful for the training we are receiving with Graham Construction and at North Glasgow College.”
John McHugh, Contracts Manager at Graham added: “We have a strong commitment at Graham to employing young apprentices and ensuring they acquire all the skills they need for a rewarding and enjoyable career .”
This week the two apprentices met representatives from one of the project’s major funders - the Big Lottery Fund - when it came to inspect the work following its £980,000 generous contribution towards the total raised.
Big Lottery Fund Scotland’s Chair Alison Magee and Committee Member Helen Forsyth toured the ongoing work and were welcomed by Irene Scott, Chair of the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust.
The Trust 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 grant from Big Lottery Fund Scotland came from its “Growing Community Assets” fund in April last year.
Alison Magee said: “When we made the decision to fund this community led project we knew that we were putting Lottery money in the hands of local people who had the drive, determination and passion to turn a dream into reality. Since then a year has passed and I am delighted to see what has been achieved so far and to meet those people who have given their all to get the project off the ground. I look forward to the day when I can return for the official opening of the Halls and join in the celebrations that the restoration of this much loved historical building will bring.”
ends
Notes to Journalists:
News release issued by Ross Wilson Public Relations (www.rosswilsonpr.com) on behalf of the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust. Further details from Ross on 07768 280021.