Engine Works owners unveil plans to transform former church into wedding venue
The owners of the Engine Works – an events space in Maryhill – have developed a £1.65m restoration plan for the old Methodist church on Dumbarton Road.
They have asked Glasgow City Council for permission to 'rescue and reimagine' the building, and create the West Works. LDRS Engine Works submit plans to transform former Patrick church into wedding venue
It has been described as a 'welcoming venue for weddings, events, arts, filming, and community gatherings – supporting local culture and economic growth'.
A demolition warrant for the site was previously submitted, but the new application from current owners, Michael McDonagh and Adele Gahagan McDonagh, states their plan will 'save the building for future generations to embrace'.
Plans state the Engine Works – a restored warehouse – was 'carefully brought brought back to life over four years and is now one of Scotland's most respected venues'. It has hosted firms like Rolex, Netflix, Amazon and Soho House. LDRS Engine Works submit plans to transform former Patrick church into wedding venue
The application adds: 'We now bring that same care and commitment to Partick Methodist Church. Once marked for demolition, we saw enduring potential in its fabric and story.
'We believe this project aligns with the regeneration goals of both Glasgow and Partick and should set a new benchmark for the thoughtful reuse of our historic buildings.'
Single-storey extensions are planned to the sides of the building and there would be a capacity of 300. Most guests would be expected to arrive by coach or public transport, but five parking spaces would be available on site and another 20 nearby via private lease. LDRS Engine Works submit plans to transform former Patrick church into wedding venue
A Grand Hall is proposed for filming, arts performances, weddings, and events while the Vestry would be a 'two-level space designed for workshops, exhibitions, and meetings, with the option to partition for privacy'.
The Ivy Tower would include a ground-floor catering kitchen, staff office, and wheelchair-accessible elevator as well as two VIP rooms and restrooms on the first-floor. A Hidden Garden is also planned.
The plans continue: 'With care and respect, the West Works will rescue and reimagine Partick Methodist Church – a much-loved local landmark dating back to 1881 – as a vibrant arts and events space for a new generation.
'This change of use is essential to secure the long-term future of the building and deliver meaningful public value.' LDRS Engine Works submit plans to transform former Patrick church into wedding venue
The applicants say the transformation will 'support jobs, create opportunities, and contribute to Partick's ongoing renewal — just as we've seen at The Engine Works in Maryhill'.
'Our aim is to bring together local talent and international partners, welcoming musical theatre, global brands, film productions, and a return to weddings in a space where love and community once thrived.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Developer wants to 'rescue and reimagine' Glasgow church
The owners of the Engine Works — an events space in Maryhill — have developed a £1.65m restoration plan for the old Methodist church on Dumbarton Road. They have asked Glasgow City Council for permission to 'rescue and reimagine' the building, and create the West Works. READ NEXT: Warrant out for Glasgow woman after her dogs attacked housing officer READ NEXT: Low Moss con wore makeshift body armour to repeatedly SLASH prisoner (Image: Partick church) (Image: Partick church) (Image: Partick church) It has been described as a 'welcoming venue for weddings, events, arts, filming, and community gatherings — supporting local culture and economic growth'. A demolition warrant for the site was previously submitted, but the new application from current owners, Michael McDonagh and Adele Gahagan McDonagh, states their plan will 'save the building for future generations to embrace'. Plans state the Engine Works — a restored warehouse — was 'carefully brought brought back to life over four years and is now one of Scotland's most respected venues'. It has hosted firms like Rolex, Netflix, Amazon and Soho House. The application adds: 'We now bring that same care and commitment to Partick Methodist Church. Once marked for demolition, we saw enduring potential in its fabric and story. 'We believe this project aligns with the regeneration goals of both Glasgow and Partick and should set a new benchmark for the thoughtful reuse of our historic buildings.' (Image: Partick church) Single-storey extensions are planned to the sides of the building and there would be a capacity of 300. Most guests would be expected to arrive by coach or public transport, but five parking spaces would be available on site and another 20 nearby via private lease. A Grand Hall is proposed for filming, arts performances, weddings, and events while the Vestry would be a 'two-level space designed for workshops, exhibitions, and meetings, with the option to partition for privacy'. The Ivy Tower would include a ground-floor catering kitchen, staff office, and wheelchair-accessible elevator as well as two VIP rooms and restrooms on the first-floor. A Hidden Garden is also planned. The plans continue: 'With care and respect, the West Works will rescue and reimagine Partick Methodist Church — a much-loved local landmark dating back to 1881 — as a vibrant arts and events space for a new generation. 'This change of use is essential to secure the long-term future of the building and deliver meaningful public value.' The applicants say the transformation will 'support jobs, create opportunities, and contribute to Partick's ongoing renewal — just as we've seen at The Engine Works in Maryhill'. 'Our aim is to bring together local talent and international partners, welcoming musical theatre, global brands, film productions, and a return to weddings in a space where love and community once thrived.'
Glasgow Times
30-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
New plan revealed for historic Glasgow West End church
The Partick Methodist Church on Dumbarton Road could be transformed into an events and community hub in an effort to "secure the long-term future of the building and deliver meaningful public value". The team at Engine Works, who submitted the proposal, described the site as a "much-loved local landmark dating back to 1881". Under the bid, the firm is hoping to create a vibrant arts and events space in the West End venue, fit for a new generation. The applicant is looking to invest £1.65 million to create The West Works, drawing inspiration from London and New York. New plan revealed for historic Glasgow West End church (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) Current interior (Image: Sourced) READ NEXT: Plan for new Glasgow hall rejected after residents all said the same thing Forms explained: "This transformation will support jobs, create opportunities, and contribute to Partick's ongoing renewal - just as we've seen at The Engine Works in Maryhill." Documents argue that the refurbishment is necessary because over the decades, the church has fallen into disrepair. Previously, it was granted a demolition warrant but this "bold and sensitive" proposal aims to give it a new lease of life. Papers added: "At its heart is the transformation of a derelict church into a contemporary space that honours heritage through sustainable, high-quality architecture. "This project demonstrates how thoughtful restoration can enrich the cultural landscape, support the local economy, and meet the city's growing need for inclusive, creative spaces. "It's a rare opportunity to preserve a cherished site and give it a lasting purpose." Proposed look (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) READ NEXT: New plans unveiled to upgrade Glasgow's city centre waterfront The application details how the church's grand hall would be a space used for filming, art performances, weddings and events. Behind it, the vestry would be made into a two-level space designed for workshops, exhibitions and meetings with the option to partition for privacy. At the back, the ivy tower would become a catering kitchen with a staff office, as well as restrooms and VIP rooms. Finally, the hidden garden would be landscaped for accessibility, functionality and vehicular use for filming, loading and event logistics. Applicant The Engine Works said about itself: "Glasgow-born, we take pride in building something lasting in the city that shaped us. "Over the past 20 years, we've grown award-winning businesses - working with global brands while staying true to our values of innovation, quality, sustainability, and integrity." (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) Glasgow City Council planning officials are considering the bid and a decision is expected by Tuesday, September 16.
The Herald Scotland
30-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Plans submitted to 'rescue and reimagine' historic church
The team at Engine Works, who submitted the proposal, described the site as a "much-loved local landmark dating back to 1881". Under the bid, the firm is hoping to create a vibrant arts and events space in the West End venue, fit for a new generation. The applicant is looking to invest £1.65 million to create The West Works, drawing inspiration from London and New York. New plan revealed for historic Glasgow West End church (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) Current interior (Image: Sourced) Forms explained: "This transformation will support jobs, create opportunities, and contribute to Partick's ongoing renewal - just as we've seen at The Engine Works in Maryhill." Documents argue that the refurbishment is necessary because over the decades, the church has fallen into disrepair. Previously, it was granted a demolition warrant but this "bold and sensitive" proposal aims to give it a new lease of life. Papers added: "At its heart is the transformation of a derelict church into a contemporary space that honours heritage through sustainable, high-quality architecture. "This project demonstrates how thoughtful restoration can enrich the cultural landscape, support the local economy, and meet the city's growing need for inclusive, creative spaces. "It's a rare opportunity to preserve a cherished site and give it a lasting purpose." Proposed look (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) The application details how the church's grand hall would be a space used for filming, art performances, weddings and events. Behind it, the vestry would be made into a two-level space designed for workshops, exhibitions and meetings with the option to partition for privacy. At the back, the ivy tower would become a catering kitchen with a staff office, as well as restrooms and VIP rooms. Finally, the hidden garden would be landscaped for accessibility, functionality and vehicular use for filming, loading and event logistics. Applicant The Engine Works said about itself: "Glasgow-born, we take pride in building something lasting in the city that shaped us. "Over the past 20 years, we've grown award-winning businesses - working with global brands while staying true to our values of innovation, quality, sustainability, and integrity." (Image: Sourced) (Image: Sourced) Glasgow City Council planning officials are considering the bid and a decision is expected by Tuesday, September 16.
