Should Barlinnie become a listed building? Glasgow responds
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) launched the bid in December last year to preserve parts of the Victorian building with potential plans to create a museum or tourist attraction.
Should Barlinnie become a listed building? Glasgow responds (Image: Newsquest) Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, said at the time: "Listing is a way of ensuring that the importance of Scotland's most historically, culturally and architecturally significant buildings is taken into account in decisions about their future."
An overwhelming majority of the responses were in favour of the proposal, mostly citing how integral the jail is to Glasgow.
David Docherty said: "The site of Barlinnie plays an important part in Glasgow and its history. The buildings should be protected as they are of a high standard of workmanship from a very long time ago.
"I am a stonemason and I appreciate the work that these men gave. It speaks volumes that they still stand the test of time and are still used today."
Dr Edward Stewart added: "I think Barlinnie represents an important monument in Glasgow's social history, representing both the city's at times infamous connection to criminal gangs which formed an important aspect of youth culture both in the 1930s, and 60-90s.
"Many Glaswegians will have connections to this monument as a notorious prison looming over the east end of the city used to warn children of the dangers of Ill behaviour and a smaller number will have experienced the prison as inmates or visitors (as I have)."
Andrew Kelly responded: "Barlinnie is an iconic building for Glasgow and recognised Scotland-wide, we need to retain the buildings considered for listing.
"There is much potential to create an experience unique to Scotland, which could incorporate museums, hostels, workspaces, studios, film and TV sets."
(Image: Colin Mearns)
READ NEXT: Consultation launched on whether to list Glasgow's Barlinnie
However, 39 people strongly disagreed with the bid.
Allan Munro said: "Knock it down. What else are we going to do with a knackered old prison? Listing the building will just create an expensive albatross around society's neck."
Others also called it a waste of money and said housing should be built on the empty land instead.
Amongst them was the Scottish Prison Service, who argued the listing "would seriously restrict any future use of the site of HMP Barlinnie and limit the positive legacy the regeneration of the site could have for the local community and the city".
Glasgow City Council said: "While the site is of architectural, social and historic interest, the Council questions whether Category A listing of the stated extent of buildings and structures is proportionate, particularly when balanced against the practical implications for redevelopment and reuse of the site."
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