“Maryhill possess in itself and in its environs such strong attractions of scenery as draw many visitors from Glasgow…” – Gazetteer of Scotland, 1884
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust is launching a new free self-guided walking tour as an introduction to some of the history, heritage, and regeneration going on in the Maryhill area of Glasgow.
The varied walk takes in the historic heart of Maryhill, as well as the peaceful, sunken green corridor of the River Kelvin valley, some stunning views from the raised portions of the Forth & Clyde Canal, and highlights the surprising number of historic buildings, interesting architecture, and important social and industrial heritage in the area.
“We’re very excited to be launching this walking guide”, said Gordon Barr, Heritage Development Officer for the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, “Maryhill is a part of Glasgow often overlooked on the standard tourist trails, something we hope to change! You’ll see historic buildings (including the restored Burgh Halls and Maryhill Leisure Centre), ancient monuments (such as the canal locks and aqueduct), and one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s least well known buildings. You’ll follow the route of old railways lines, discover the location of many of the famous Maryhill stained glass panels, and maybe even see the odd heron or swan along the way.”
The full colour, lavishly illustrated 16-page guide is free to download from our website at www.mbht.org.uk/walks and you can also pick up a printed copy at local libraries, and leaflet distribution sites throughout the city. The website also has larger print and mobile-formatted versions available as well.
The design and distribution of the guide has been funded by a grant from the Glasgow City Heritage Trust. Torsten Haak, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, is delighted to have been involved with funding this new trail through the Trust's Heritage Grant programme.
“Maryhill has a fascinating, but somewhat overlooked, built heritage” he commented; “and this new heritage trail is a great way of highlighting and celebrating the multitude of diverse historic buildings in the area.”
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust will also be running free guided versions of the walk throughout the summer months; see the website for more details.
Notes to Journalists
This news release is issued by Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust www.maryhillburghhalls.org.uk
Further information is available from Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary or Gordon Barr, Heritage Development Officer, on 0845 860 1878 at any time
email: press@mbht.org.uk
The PDF version of the walking trail can be found at http://www.mbht.org.uk/walks
Everyone who is interested in following the development of the project through to completion can view progress and comment on the project:
Website: www.maryhillburghhalls.org.uk
Twitter: twitter.com/Maryhill_halls
Facebook: facebook.com/maryhillburghhalls
About Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Glasgow City Heritage Trust champions the city's unique architecture and built environment. We are here to promote and encourage the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Glasgow's historic buildings for the benefit of the city's communities and its visitors, now and in the future.
Find out more at: http://www.glasgowheritage.org.uk/
About the Burgh Halls Regeneration Project
The 133 year old building is undergoing a £9.2 million restoration project, which will breathe new life into the iconic Halls, save them for the community, create a thriving centre for business, and make the place once again the focus and beating heart of Maryhill.
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust raised this remarkable sum to secure a bright future for the treasured Halls and in so doing recapture the splendour of one of the city's best loved buildings. The restoration work began in November 2009 and is scheduled for completion later this year.
In November 2010, the project was awarded a prize as Best contribution to Urban Regeneration in Scotland through the use of European Structural Funds at the European Structural Funds Best Practice Awards.
Maryhill Burgh Halls were the seat of municipal government in the days before Maryhill was a part of Glasgow. Built in 1878 and designed by renowned architect Duncan McNaughtan, they have lain derelict for a number of years and are listed on the Buildings at Risk register.
Once restored, the Halls will include a modern public hall, cafe, 11 offices, a commercial and a community recording studio, a nursery, meeting rooms and courtyard garden. Around 7 years of hard work has been put into developing proposals for the project. The Board of the Trust, which comprises local people and representatives from partners Maryhill Housing Association, Cube Housing Association and Glasgow City Council, has worked tirelessly to deliver the restoration.
The contractor for the project Graham Construction has secured employment opportunities within the local community by creating three apprenticeships in joinery to work on the Halls restoration.
Funding for the Maryhill Burgh Halls project has come from:
European Regional Development Funding - £1.279m
Scottish Government City Growth Fund Phases 1 and 2 - £1.25m
Heritage Lottery Fund - £990,000
Big Lottery - Growing Community Assets Fund - £980,910
Glasgow City Council Better Glasgow Fund - £1.02m
Glasgow City Council Vacant and Derelict Land Fund - £650,000
Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund - £1.8m
Historic Scotland - £500,000
Scottish Government Wider Role Fund - £750,000
The Robertson Trust - £28,000