Maryhill's historic Burgh Halls received a prestigious award today. The award was for Best Contribution to Urban Regeneration in Scotland through the use of European Structural Funds in the 2007 to 2013 Programme.
The award was presented by Keith Brown MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning at a ceremony at Glasgow School of Art.
This award recognizes the Trust’s work in involving the community throughout the project and undertaking significant ongoing outreach work with local organisations and the best practice of bringing together sensitive historic building restoration with dynamic contemporary design plus new outdoor spaces.
MSP Keith Brown, left, presents the award to Trust Chair Irene Scott, with Hunter Reid and Donna Brooks.
Chair of the Trust Irene Scott said: “The refurbishment of the Maryhill Burgh Halls will restore an invaluable cultural asset in Glasgow, upgrading it as a place for the local community to meet and socialise. It will also be a dynamic and important place for businesses and enterprises to flourish.”
Hunter Reid, Project Co-ordinator and Company Secretary of the Trust said:
“All of the Board Members of the Trust are delighted that the Trust has received this national award. We would all like to say a huge thank you to the European Structural Funds Programme both for the award, and for the funding given to the Trust. Thanks also to all of our funders, the project team and everyone else who has given their support to the project. We are all very much looking forward to the Halls opening next summer.”
The 132 year old building is just over half way through 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 splendor of one of the city's best loved buildings. The restoration work began in November 2009 and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011.
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 the past eight 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 6 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 outstanding architectural appeal and historic merit of the Halls is further enhanced by a unique series of stained glass panels depicting the trades and industries of Maryhill in the late 19th century, and which are currently in safe keeping with Glasgow Museums.
The restoration will also see a significant collection of the 20 stained glass windows, conserved and returned to the Burgh Halls. In addition, the Trust has recently commissioned 10 new “Windows of Today” which will depict life in Maryhill as it is now.
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 of the project has come from the following sources:
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 Housing and Regeneration Directorate £750,000
The Robertson Trust £28,000
Everyone who is interested in following the development of the project through to completion can view progress and comment on the project on the Trust's Website at www.maryhillburghhalls.org.uk
Further information on the European Structural Funds Mid-Programme Best Practice Awards can be found at http://www.esep.co.uk/07-news-updates.html
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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 on 07808 739627 or Dr Gordon Barr, Heritage Development Officer, 0794 0815202 at any time
e mail: info@mbht.org.uk