Community Bid to Take Over Langside Hall Moves Forward
Bid submitted to city could hand iconic facility to community and unlock vital repairs.
By Gary Fanning
A significant step toward securing Langside Hall for community use has been taken, a senior council figure confirmed this week.
Speaking at Thursday’s full council meeting, Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Glasgow’s heritage convenor, said a formal expression of interest has been submitted to the People Make Glasgow Communities (PMGC) initiative.
The bid—led by the Langside Hall Trust (LHT) in partnership with local groups—sets out a strong case for community-led stewardship of the historic Shawlands venue.
Councillor Kelly told councillors that the proposals would be brought forward “very soon” and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
If approved, the plans would allow the Trust to manage the building, reopen it to the public, and begin raising essential funds for refurbishment—transforming the hall into a sustainable and vibrant community asset.
The update came in response to a question from Langside Councillor Holly Bruce, who asked what steps were being taken to ensure the hall remains in public or community hands.
“There is currently an expression of interest in Langside Hall that the PMGC (People Make Glasgow Communities) programme and LHT (Langside Hall Trust) have been working on with others,” said Councillor Kelly.
“I expect information to be made known to elected members very soon, and hopefully a positive outcome that not only reopens it to the public and enables community ownership and management, but also secures the much-needed funding to upgrade the facilities and ensure its long-term use as a community asset.”
Residents raised fresh concerns about ongoing vandalism at Langside Hall during Shawlands Community Council meeting last month.
Back in October, The Splash exclusively reported that residents had voiced alarm over a rise in graffiti, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour around the iconic Langside Halls.
Since then, calls for action have intensified, with fears growing that the damage could escalate and put the historic building at serious risk.
One resident said: “What is being done about the graffiti, the damage, and the antisocial behaviour taking place around the halls?
“It's only a matter of time before something serious happens to the building.”
Community councillors have now taken the matter up with Glasgow City Council, which owns the building but leases it to Glasgow Life.
The Council’s response acknowledged ongoing concerns.
It stated: “Glasgow Life Facilities who manage this listed property are aware of the graffiti and ongoing issues at this location.
“I can advise that Neighbourhood Coordinator, Amy Smyth, has been liaising with Glasgow Life and Police Scotland regarding the antisocial behaviour and graffiti surrounding Langside Hall for a number of months.
“Observations requests are active for the Public Space CCTV in the area and Community Enforcement Officers have been requested to provide patrols when operationally possible to gather intelligence.
“In addition, I can advise that a crime prevention survey has been undertaken by Police Scotland’s Safer Communities Team, with recommendations passed to Glasgow Life.
“Neighbourhoods Regeneration and Sustainability’s (NRS) operational teams have also attended this location to clear any debris and littered items, with Community Payback cutting back the overgrown foliage at the rear of the Halls to enable clearer sight lines and open up the area.'
“NRS graffiti removal team have visited on multiple occasions to remove graffiti from doors / windows etc, however we are unable to remove from the sandstone due to the specialist nature of the removal required.
“This would be the responsibility of Glasgow Life who are looking at these options, however it should be noted that these are very costly.”
The Council also encouraged residents to report antisocial behaviour in real time to help authorities respond effectively. Reports can be made via:
Police Scotland (101)
Crimestoppers (0800 555 111)
Glasgow City Council: glasgow.gov.uk/reportasb
Langside Halls is a historic building designed by John Gibson in 1847 designed as the National Bank of Scotland on Queen Street, Glasgow.
It was later dismantled and reconstructed in 1902 at its current location in Shawlands. Gibson was known for his work on several prominent bank buildings, including this one.
The building, close to the historic Battle of Langside site, has served as a civic venue for community events over the years.
Its significance lies in both its architectural value and its role as a central community space.
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