Stunning illumination brings Maryhill Burgh Halls back to life
September 15 2008
A STUNNING illumination is bringing life back to one of Glasgow¹s much-loved historic buildings.
Maryhill Burgh Halls will this week be bathed in light as its ongoing
restoration is unveiled to the public for the first time.
Lord Provost Bob Winter will officially launch the Maryhill Burgh Halls
Illumination Project and Exhibition in Maryhill Road this Thursday.
It will provide the first glimpse of the ambitious £9 million project to
breathe new life back into this part of Maryhill.
Maryhill Burgh Halls was the seat of municipal government in the days when
Maryhill was a burgh. Built in 1878 and designed by renowned architect
Duncan McNaughtan, it has lain derelict for some years.
The building's architectural appeal and historic merit is further enhanced
by outstanding stained glass panels depicting the trades and industries of
Maryhill in the 19th century and which are currently in safe keeping in the
city archives.
But they have been carefully recreated using animation and light and now
form the breathtaking centrepiece of the illumination as they are projected
onto the building on Maryhill Road. They show the work of linen bleachers,
calico printers, canal boatmen, bricklayers and other workers.
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bob Winter said: " I am thrilled to be launching
the Maryhill Burgh Halls Illumination Project and Exhibition. The stained
glass windows are iconic and a really great tribute to the skills and crafts
that this city was built on. That coupled with the building's rich
architecture and aesthetic appeal make this a great occasion for the people
of Maryhill and beyond."
Billy McAllister, Chair of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust which is undertaking
the work, said: "The illumination of Maryhill Burgh Halls is a red letter
day for the work being done to reinvigorate this outstanding historic
building.
It is vital to preserve the city's rich architectural treasures and the
Burgh Halls represent a building well worth saving. Illuminating it brings
back life to the building and we want local people to see that their beloved
Burgh Halls are being looked after, are being saved and will be a hub for
the local community for generations to come."
Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary of Maryhill Burgh
Halls Trust, added: ³The Trust comprises of members of the local community
and those with an interest in the project. The Board members are people who
live or work in the area, together with representatives of Maryhill Housing
Association, Cube Housing Association and Glasgow City Council. The Trust
has spent five years putting together proposals to drive the project
forward.
"The overall proposals consist of a blend of well considered and sensitive
historic building restoration with strong contemporary new build additions.
So far funding has reached around £1.5 million. We have a long way to go to
reach our £9 million target but the illumination project ensures we are
firmly on our way. We hope to able to start on site next spring with the
main construction works."
Funders for the Illumination Project are Glasgow Community Planning
Partnership Community Regeneration Fund and Glasgow City Council Canal City
Growth Fund.
Other funders for the project to date include The Scottish
Government Housing and Regeneration Directorate Regeneration Division
(formerly Communities Scotland); Glasgow City Council, the Community
Regeneration Fund, Cube Housing Association, Maryhill Housing Association,
the Scottish Government Cities Growth Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund &
many other generous organisations & individuals
Following the launch by the Lord Provost a slide show and talk was given on
The Maryhill Stained Glass Panels by Stephen Adam by Ian Mitchell, local
historian and Trust member.
An exhibition about the Maryhill Burgh Halls project is being held in
Maryhill Library during normal opening hours from September 15 to 20. This
is part of Doors Open Day - Glasgow¹s Built Heritage Festival.
ends
Organisations involved in the work being done now:
The Designer of the Illumination Project is Adrian Stewart of DO Architecture. The Contractor for the Lighting Project is Scottish Hydro Contracting The project team for the main building proposals is: Gardiner and Theobald - Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Planning Supervisors JM Architects Buro Happold - Structural and Services Engineers The Advance Stonework Contract has been carried out by Scotcourt Ltd. The Conservation Management Plan for the project has been carried out by Austin, Smith, Lord - Architects.
Notes to Journalists:
This news release is issued on behalf of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust by Ross Wilson Public Relations (www.rosswilsonpr.com), PR Consultants. Further information is available from Ross Wilson on 07768 280021 at any time e mail: ross@rosswilsonpr.com Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary, is available for interview before and during the September 18 event. Ross Wilson will be attending and you are encouraged to ask for Ross if you are attending. Hunter can be contacted on 0141 948 1105 during office hours. email hreid@maryhill.org.uk Images of the illuminated building, courtesy of DO Architecture, can be obtained by calling Hunter Reid.
