THE MOST ENDANGERED BUILDINGS IN EUROPE
Glasgow’s Egyptian Halls recognised among the most at risk cultural sites in Europe
Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s A-listed masterpiece, the Egyptian Halls, has been shortlisted by the pan-European heritage organisation, Europa Nostra, for its 7 Most Endangered programme.
The upper floors of the former warehouse on Union Street have now been empty for 40 years, and shrouded by scaffold for the last 10, as the building has been allowed to fall into decay. The Alexander Thomson Society and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings collaborated on the application to have Egyptian Halls shortlisted by Europa Nostra with the understanding that the window to save one of Glasgow’s most significant buildings is rapidly closing.
The seven sites selected by Europa Nostra will be visited by delegations of experts in preservation and financing who will independently review the current situation of Egyptian Halls and work with the owners, local authority and government to try and identify a sustainable route to bring the building back into use.
The two societies have until March to make the case for the Thomson building to be chosen by the board of Europa Nostra for support. To demonstrate public backing for the building to be saved, an online petition has been set up: http://chng.it/KXKpZCsbDt
The announcement follows on from the recent Reimagining Egyptian Halls competition and exhibition organised by the Alexander Thomson Society to begin examining alternative uses for the site. Entries explored a wide variety of uses include as an art gallery, museum, community centre or school. These entries will now be showcased on the Alexander Thomson Society website where the public will have their chance to select their favourite, as well as contribute to the discussion about what the future of Egyptian Halls might be. The building has already served as an exhibition hall, a marketplace, offices, a music venue and a restaurant, demonstrating its potential and its flexibility.
What it now needs is the public to demonstrate its support for the restoration and reuse of this architectural marvel, and to encourage those with the power to do so, to act now and SAVE EGYPTIAN HALLS.
Press Release here.
26 Comments
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Save this buliding.
Don’t let the GDC Glasgow Demolition Company destroy anymore of our iconic architecture they have destroyed have of Glasgow as it is fight them all the way.😡😡
Please save one of Glasgow’s hidden gems. We have already lost so much beautiful architecture.
Please save this beautiful building too many have been demolished. Shocking people can’t knock it down
It’s a scandal that this Important building has been left to rot for so long. It’s high time that some kind of legislation could be put in place to prevent this occurring again.
Don’t let us lose our heritage! Our beautiful buildings make Glasgow.
It would be a crying shame if this building was allowed to just disappear from Glasgow. I can remember it in better times and it’s an outrage that it’s been so neglected. In fact Union Street and even Renfield street are a shadow of their former selves.
We cannot lose any more of our historical buildings.
An eye catching building from a young age. ‘Buildings and People…
Make Glasgow.’
Alexander Thomson is an iconic person within Glasgow history. Please save this building which means so much to the people of Glasgow.
So many magnificent and historic buildings in our city have already disappeared, it’s time to keep what we can.
This building is part of Glasgow’s heritage and should be saved.
This building should be one of many to be restored to its former glory and stop allowing Glasgow’s historic buildings to fall into such disrepair that it eventuality leads to demolition.
Glasgow can’t afford to lose anymore of its rich architectural heritage. Far too many stunning examples have already been lost to decay.
Why would our elected officials allow this to happen !? Please protect this wonderful and historic building from demolition , with it . – if it happens- a piece of our culture , legacy and values .
Too many amazing buildings have gone in the last years , please don’t let another gem be lost to the City
If they keep destroying Glasgow’s architectural history that’s been around for one hundred years or more they’ll be nothing left except horrible concrete and glass that will never stand anywhere near one hundred years. The people that make these decisions need to open their eyes and look at what’s been lost.
Glasgow doesn’t deserve its Thomson heritage. Unfortunately I don’t support changedotorg petitions. They are not what they seem to be.
Glasgow doesn’t deserve its Thomson heritage. Unfortunately I don’t support changedotorg petitions. They are not what they seem to be, and I can’t even post a comment about them.
Glasgow needs help to keep these magnificent and irreplaceable buildings, too many have already been lost.
It would be a scandal to let this building disappear. We should be showcasing this to the people of Glasgow and to tourists and be proud of our heritage and these talented people who designed these buildings
Why pull it down when you’d put something up that only lasts 25 years when you’s have buildings like this living history
Please save this building. Glasgow’s beautiful architecture needs protection from short sighted companies that buy these buildings and then allow them to fall into such disrepair that they face demolition. ( or suddenly burn to the ground). Invest in history, we are the caretakers.
Please save this beautiful building. Why on earth do Glasgow Council continue to let these heritage building be demolished. It is sinful, other cities and countries see the bigger picture and regenerate their old builds. Let’s do the same in Glasgow!!
It’s a tragedy to lose this beautiful building Glasgow has many building that are left to decay .we must try and do something.
This building has been neglected long enough, time for somebody to renovate it, before its only fit for demolition