The Sunday Splash - How the Tron Theatre is Leading a Cultural Revival in Glasgow’s Overlooked District
Revitalising Trongate: Glasgow’s Forgotten Gem on the Brink of Transformation
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
Glasgow’s Trongate, one of the city's oldest districts, has long been an overlooked part of the city centre.
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the area has struggled with vacant shops, antisocial behaviour, and a lack of footfall.
But there is a movement underway to change this narrative and reclaim Trongate as a vibrant creative hub.
At the heart of this effort is the Tron Theatre, housed in Glasgow’s third-oldest building.
Executive Director Patricia Stead, who took the helm two years ago, is leading the charge in revitalising the area.
With a diverse background in arts and theatre, having worked in Glasgow, Paris, and Australia, Ms Stead, a mother-of-three grown-up children, brings a global perspective to Trongate’s revival.
A Cultural Hub in Waiting
Trongate is home to a variety of independent businesses, from Daddy Marmalades, a bar that specialises in cocktails and pizza, The Dorky French, a vegan bakery, to the beloved games store.
The presence of WASPS Studios and a thriving artist community also adds to the creative fabric of the district.
Yet, many retail units remain vacant, creating challenges in attracting new traders and visitors.
Ms Stead believes Trongate has the potential to become Glasgow’s next cultural quarter.
“We need people to stop here, shop here, and explore. There is so much potential in this little area,” she asserts.
She recalls her first impressions upon returning to Glasgow in December 2022: “I walked from Queen Street Station to the Trongate and thought, 'What happened to Glasgow?'
“I was here during the City of Culture years, and the Trongate had so much promise. Now it feels forgotten. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.”
Across the road in Argyle Street, The Social Hub , an international concept integrating student accommodation, co-living, and tourism, has already injected fresh energy into the neighbourhood.
The upcoming redevelopment of King Street Car Park, which will include student housing, a hotel, and residential spaces, is expected to bring in even more foot traffic.
Challenges and Community Efforts
However, Trongate still faces significant issues, particularly with antisocial behaviour and drug-related activity.
Adding to the issues, an abandoned tent was recently spotted pitched in Argyle Street, its contents left abandoned, suggesting a transient presence rather than an occupied shelter. Scenes like this further highlight the need for action in making Trongate a more inviting space for locals and visitors alike.
Ms Stead has witnessed these challenges first-hand from her office window.
“I had to turn my desk around because I was spending too much time watching drug pushers. Six out of seven incidents I report to the police are about drug use or unconscious individuals in the street. It’s heartbreaking.”
The Tron Theatre itself has been affected by these issues.
Events have been disrupted, and the building has been repeatedly targeted with graffiti and antisocial behaviour.
“Last year, we had to cancel a show because of the Celtic title-winning celebrations. “We had to refund tickets, pay the company for the cancellation, and my staff had to clean up after the chaos. It was a huge financial hit for us.”
Public intoxication, vandalism, and safety concerns persist, particularly in the theatre’s back entrance.
“For 25 years, we’ve been the public toilet of the area. Our doors are rotting from the constant misuse, and replacing them requires planning permission we simply can’t afford.
“We need funding for shutters and security measures just to protect our space.”
Ms Stead, a member of the Thistle drug consumption room’s working group, has been working closely with police and city officials to address these concerns, advocating for better security measures and community engagement.
“We are not trying to drive people away; we want to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
The people using drugs are among the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. The Thistle Working Group’s initiative to create safe spaces for drug users is a step in the right direction," she adds.
Looking to the Future
Despite these challenges, Stead remains optimistic.
She gestures toward a location that once served as Harrison Ford’s apartment in the latest Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. This same area was also featured in the Catwoman movie, which was later canned.
She envisions Trongate as a destination that attracts both locals and tourists, much like Sauchiehall Street’s cultural quarter.
“This should be a place people discover through social media, a must-visit spot where they can explore the hidden gems of Glasgow."
“We have 10,000 people coming to our panto in one month. Imagine if we could get even a fraction of them to explore Trongate, support its businesses, and see its history. That’s the kind of footfall that changes an area.”
With increased investment, a focus on independent businesses, and a commitment to revitalisation, Trongate is poised for transformation.
The arrival of new communities, students, and entrepreneurs will help breathe life into the area.
“Glasgow isn’t a huge city — you can walk from one side to the other. We want people to walk through Trongate, not bypass it. There are real gems here. We just need people to stop, explore, and be part of its story.”
As Glasgow continues to evolve, Trongate’s champions remain dedicated to ensuring that this historic district is no longer the forgotten corner of the city but a thriving creative and cultural hub for generations to come.
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