Glasgow’s cherished People’s Palace, a beacon of the city’s social and cultural history, is on the brink of a significant transformation. A proposal of £36m is set to be presented to the city council, aiming to rejuvenate this iconic landmark.
In 2018, the museum had to shut its doors due to structural and safety concerns. While the main building was eventually reopened, the Winter Gardens glasshouse wasn’t as fortunate. This closure led to the unfortunate demise of numerous trees and plants that once thrived within.
The funding blueprint comprises:
- A £7.5m grant application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- An anticipated £11m from Glasgow City Council.
- A quest for £12m from other public sector benefactors.
- An already secured £5m.
However, a previous attempt to garner support from the UK government’s Levelling Up fund didn’t pan out.
SNP councillor Greg Hepburn, reflecting the sentiments of many, mentioned that the museum, nestled in Glasgow Green, holds a dear spot in every Glaswegian’s heart. He expressed his dismay over the lack of attention it received in recent years and the missed levelling up funding opportunity.
Paul Sweeney, a Glasgow Labour MSP, voiced his support for the restoration plans. He highlighted the importance of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, which underwent a centenary restoration in 1998. However, he lamented the lack of support from the UK and Scottish Governments, especially when compared to the direct national funding enjoyed by Edinburgh’s cultural hubs.
The proposal will be up for discussion in Glasgow City Council’s upcoming administration committee meeting.
A New Dawn for the Museum
If all goes according to plan, the rejuvenation project will kick off early next year and is projected to wrap up by autumn 2027.
The People’s Palace, inaugurated in 1898, was envisioned as a cultural haven for the working class of Glasgow’s east end. Managed by Glasgow Life, the council’s culture and leisure arm, the museum underwent a £350,000 upgrade in 2018, introducing a new fire escape, café, and retail area. However, issues like water damage and ageing infrastructure still pose threats to the museum’s invaluable collection.
The council believes that these new plans will infuse fresh energy into the museum, ensuring its legacy for future generations. The Friends of People’s Palace campaign group shares this optimism, emphasizing the Winter Gardens’ architectural significance.
The People’s Palace and the adjoining gardens stand as testaments to Glasgow’s rich heritage. They symbolize the city’s commitment to elevating the lives of its residents during times when leisure was a luxury. Unlike other city museums, the People’s Palace offers a deep dive into Glasgow’s narrative, making it an irreplaceable asset.
In the broader context, discussions about the museum’s future have sometimes been overshadowed by debates on the city’s architectural valuation. But one thing remains clear: the People’s Palace is not just a building; it’s part of the heart and soul of Glasgow.
