Latest news with #Alexander'Greek'Thomson
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Restoration set to begin on historic 127-year-old Bridge of Allan clock after crash damage
Work to repair The Paterson Memorial Clock, which was toppled in the town's Henderson Street after being struck by a car last December, is set to get underway. Restoration work on the historic Paterson Memorial Clock in Bridge of Allan is set to begin after council officials received the go-ahead from insurers. The iconic clock, a fixture in Henderson Street, was knocked over when a car hit it last December. This C-listed cast iron timepiece, which boasts design elements by the renowned Victorian architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, has been a feature of the town for 127 years. The incident in December marked the second time a decorative clock in the Stirling Council area had been damaged within 16 months, following the destruction of Stirling's Christie Clock from 1905 in September 2023 during botched repair work. Stirling Council has now confirmed that restoration of the Paterson Memorial Clock is on the horizon after reaching an agreement with the driver's insurance company. A spokesperson for Stirling Council told the Stirling Observer: "We have confirmation from the insurers involved that we can proceed to carry out works to the Paterson Memorial Clock and we are now planning the restoration of the structure, liaising closely with heritage engineers. "We will update the local community as soon as we have an update on this phase of the process." The clock met its unfortunate fate on Friday, December 6, 2024, at around 4.20pm, following an incident where it was hit by a vehicle leaving a nearby car park. A 78-year-old motorist, who was the only person in the vehicle at the time, was transported to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, in Larbert, for medical attention before being released. The driver was subsequently charged in relation to alleged road traffic offences. Following the incident, the clock was put into storage pending a survey to assess the extent of restoration works required. After its removal from Henderson Street, the clock was placed in to the care of Alloa-based firm JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd. The Paterson Memorial Clock, erected in 1898 through public donations, stands as a tribute to local doctor, medical officer, and Justice of the Peace Alexander Paterson. Dr Paterson, an advocate of the therapeutic properties of the area's waters, was instrumental in establishing Bridge of Allan as a spa resort. The base of the Paterson Clock is believed to have been designed by Thomson, born in Balfron in 1817. As per The World of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson (1817-1875) website, the clock's base "can be safely said to be by Thomson, with a pillar designed by [fellow Scottish architect] James Sellars."
Glasgow Times
26-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow city centre 'architectural masterpiece' up for sale
The A-listed Egyptian Halls building, designed by renowned architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, has been empty and derelict for decades but the council is looking at using a Compulsory Purchase Order to take it over. As part of the process, the council is looking for a developer to come forward with a proposal to bring it back into meaningful use. READ NEXT: Out of school care centre warned it doesn't meet legal standards Applications are invited with a deadline of October 17. The brochure by Ryden, under instruction from the council, describes the six-storey Union Street building as 'a unique architectural and historic asset' with the council prioritising its 'repair, repurposing, and future active reuse'. In February this year, the council agreed to look at CPO powers to take it over after decades of inaction from the current owner. Its intricate and distinctive stonework is currently hidden behind scaffolding. The building was built between 1870 and 1872, a 'hallmark' of Thomson's distinctive Greek Revival style. The brochure states: 'It remains internationally recognised as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture.' Last month, it was decided an incentive of £150,000 will be on offer to the developer chosen to revamp the historic landmark. READ NEXT:Work on West End street to start next month and last two years The building is currently owned by two companies — Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties — both run by Dundee businessman Derek Souter and his partners. They will also be invited to submit proposals to the council and are able to sell the property voluntarily at any point until the CPO is secured. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Built Heritage, Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: 'This is a key milestone in our efforts to return the Egyptian Halls to full life and restore their rightful place as an architectural treasure of national significance. 'Securing a commercial operator to take on the repair and reuse of the Halls is a core part of the CPO process which began earlier this year. In gauging the market interest we'll know what the opportunities for the future of this architectural gem can be. 'Right now, the transformation of our city centre is gathering real pace. Giving the city's built heritage new purposes and new futures is part of that and I've no doubt the Egyptian Halls can be a centrepiece in the Glasgow of the 21st century.'
Glasgow Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Grant on offer for potential developers of Glasgow's Egyptian Halls
Glasgow City Council is considering buying the rundown A-listed halls — by architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson — on Union Street, where the upper floors have been lying empty for decades. It is investigating a possible compulsory purchase order (CPO), which could then see the celebrated property transferred to a developer to bring it back into use. Council officials are preparing a development brief which will seek proposals from interested parties. It was previously revealed a consortium, including the publisher of the List magazine, with plans for a food market and hotel are keen to take on the halls. READ MORE: Here's how much taxi fares in Glasgow could rise under new proposals The building is currently owned by two companies — Union Street Developments and Union Street Properties — both run by Dundee businessman Derek Souter and his partners. They will also be invited to submit proposals to the council — and are able to sell the property voluntarily at any point. Council officials previously reported a bid from an 'interested party at a figure in excess of an independent valuation' had not been accepted. Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, the council's convener for built heritage, is set to present a report to the city administration committee on Thursday which asks councillors to approve a £150,000 grant. It states an 'initial grant' of £150,000 towards the costs incurred by the developer would be made available in 'recognition of the importance of the Egyptian Halls to the fabric of the city centre' and the council's commitment to 'the built heritage of the city'. READ MORE: Plans approved for 410 student housing rooms in Glasgow's Anderston The money would be paid at 'the appropriate point' based on agreed milestones during the renovation, refurbishment and re-use of the halls. Cllr Kelly's paper comes after councillors supported a recommendation to investigate the use of CPO powers in February. The development brief is expected to be issued this month, and will give a period of 12 weeks for proposals to be submitted. Officials will then evaluate proposals against a criteria which will include how they intend to retain and use the building, previous experience, timeframe and deliverability and funding. A preferred proposal could then be selected, with the council promoting a CPO to buy the building for the chosen party. According to a council report from February, the plan would be for the council to enter a 'back to back agreement' with the developer, which would include obligations to have planning permission, show reasonable attempts to voluntarily buy the property and an undertaking to 'meet all of the council's costs including compensation payable as a consequence of the CPO'. Cllr Kelly previously said CPOs can be 'lengthy and complex' but it would be 'the first major step towards the repair and reuse of this beautiful building'.
STV News
23-04-2025
- Business
- STV News
How can Glasgow save its world-class architectural legacy?
Glasgow, a city renowned for its rich architectural legacy, is struggling with the costs of maintaining and restoring its historic buildings. Home to some of the finest examples of architecture by figures such as Alexander 'Greek' Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the city's streets are filled with works that tell the story of its industrial and cultural past. The St Vincent Street Church, designed by Greek Thomson, is considered one of the last great Thomson works still standing and is recognised by the World Monument Fund. Norry Wilson, the founder of history page Lost Glasgow, warns the city is at risk of losing the heritage site. Speaking to STV News, he said: 'Thomson built all over Glasgow, building magnificent tenements, churches and public buildings. 'This is the last of Thomson's absolutely great churches, and if we are to lose this on our watch, future generations wouldn't be very kind to us. 'Glasgow's problem is two-fold. We are too poor just now, but we were once so rich – so we had this huge inheritance of Georgian and Victorian architecture which we now cannot afford to maintain.' The church is among 68 significant buildings, including the Elder Park farm and Kings Park courtyard, which have been identified as being at risk. Many of these buildings now face an uncertain future due to financial constraints and the difficulty of preserving buildings that are often in urgent need of repair. STV News Alexander Greek Thomson buildings are at risk of falling into disrepair. Lilly Erskine, senior associate at civil engineering firm Narro, said: 'It's hugely important that Glasgow keeps its built heritage. It's a city whose identity is founded in its links to industry and to the arts and all of that is shown in the buildings around us. 'There is very rarely a need for a building to be pulled down. There is almost always a way to save them from a structural perspective. 'We can repair them, we can hold them up. Bar making them float, we can do anything. But it's often the financial implications that get in the way.' The city council acknowledges it is urgently looking to secure investment and in turn refurbishment or re-development, with a view to be used by the community, public or private sector. However, if no other options are viable, there is a warning that some of the sites listed, and others, face partial or full demolition. Councillor Ruari Kelly said more than £250m has been spent on 'protecting and developing' built heritage over the last few years. 'Finding a new use that gives these buildings a new lease of life is the most practical way forward,' he added. 'As much as people want to see modern, all-singing, all-dancing buildings, they want to see the heritage protected. They want to see old buildings and the character of the city, they don't want that to disappear.' One avenue being explored is the equalisation of VAT. Developers are currently charged 20% VAT on the construction and repair of commercial buildings. However, converting commercial properties to homes incurs just a 5% rate. If residential property is built on vacant land, no VAT is paid at all. Council chiefs have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking if something can be done to even out those rates. They are also advocating for empty premises to be converted from retail to residential in an attempt to encourage people back into a city centre vacated by two Covid lockdowns. Kelly said: 'We have written to both governments and had responses from both. Whilst we haven't sorted anything yet, the door wasn't closed in our face. 'They were open to discussions to see how we can all work together to protect heritage in Glasgow and get development going. 'If Glasgow is to be a pilot city in the way this could work, we are more than happy to blaze a trail and show the way for other cities as well, all we need is that agreement from the UK and Scottish Governments.' STV News Glasgow's heritage buildings are at risk due to rising maintenance costs Experts in designing and restoring significant historic buildings agree that VAT is a significant barrier to entry. There have been some cases elsewhere where a developer has removed and retained a building's façade and beauty – only to completely rip out its carcass and build a brand new structure, before carefully reassembling its front. Melanie Hay, director of conservation architects Hamilton Hay Van Jonker, says projects must be both economically and environmentally sustainable. 'Development has to be economically viable – you can look at buildings that are beyond the point of no return, and people just don't want to invest in them, so it's striking that balance. 'Fifteen years ago, you didn't pay VAT on a refurbishment project, now you're paying 20%, so that can really stagnate the market. So things at a national level can be done to instigate development there.' The Scottish Government's housing strategy, Housing to 2040, notes that reductions in VAT on household repairs would encourage home renovation and improve existing housing stock. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government has pressed the UK Government – which is responsible for VAT – to tackle the challenge of decarbonising and retrofitting existing buildings. This would help to reduce emissions, preserve our architectural heritage and regenerate communities. 'The imbalance needs to be addressed to encourage projects which retain existing buildings, instead of demolition and rebuild.' 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
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vases thought to be by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson heading to auction
A pair of vases thought to be by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson are heading to auction in Glasgow this weekend. Thomson was one of the most gifted architects of the Victorian era, whose unconventional style attracted admirers worldwide. His creations - such as Caledonia Road Free Church, the Egyptian Halls and Holmwood House - are quintessential landmarks in his adopted city of Glasgow. The rare Victorian Scottish fireclay garden vases were thought to have been designed by Thomson and modelled by George Mossman for the Garnkirk pottery stand at the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London's Hyde Park. READ MORE: Local history group to host 'ambitious' Alexander 'Greek' Thomson festival Artefacts linked to David Livingstone heading to auction The vases, with scrolled lugs and classical coronation scenes, were gifted to a chauffeur to Mr Dixon of Govan Ironworks in the 1920s. Although estimated at £600 or £800, the vases are expected to achieve "considerably more" when they appear in Great Western Auctions' Spring Two Day Fine Art & Antiques Auction on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22. Also heading to auction is a first Beano Annual dating from 1940 and a large Royal Doulton prestige figure of Princess Badoura riding an elephant.
