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.