An historic building in Glasgow is to be brought back into public use.

Maryhill Burgh Halls, which opened in 1878, and an adjacent former police station are to be transformed into a community hub thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund award of £990,000.

Maryhill Burgh Halls has lain empty for eight years and was placed on the city's building at risk register.

Plans include a public hall, a cafe, office space, a commercial/community recording studio and the restoration of a collection of 20 conserved stained glass windows.

-- Advertisement --

The windows designed by the studio of Stephen Adam, depict the 19th century trades of Maryhill, such as linen bleachers and calico printers.

They were removed from the hall in 1963 and most have been kept in storage at the Burrell Collection.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "This important civic building has given the community of Maryhill a heart for over 100 years, a symbol of history and identity that cannot be replaced. Today it stands empty and derelict.

"We believe that breathing new life into the Burgh Halls will not only re-establish it as a centre of community life and make a marked contribution to the economics of the area but will also give a renewed sense of pride.

Mr McLean said the investment was an "important step forward" in the revitalisation of Maryhill.

A conservation management plan has been put in place by Austin Smith Lord. Works have been conducted by JM Architects and Buro Happold acted as structural engineer.

(GK/JM)