The campaign to save Maryhill’s historic Burgh Halls took a major step forward 132 years to the day after the Halls were opened, Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil visited the ongoing £9.2 million restoration project, which will breathe new life into the iconic Halls and save them for the community.
The Minister’s visit follows a contribution from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund of £1.8 million - the largest single piece of funding in the £9.2 million total.
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust raised this remarkable sum to secure a bright future for the treasured halls and in doing so recapture the splendour of one of the city’s best loved buildings. Work began in November 2009 and will be completed in May 2011.
Maryhill Burgh Halls were the seat of municipal government in the days when Maryhill was a Burgh. They were built in 1878 and designed by renowned architect Duncan McNaughtan, but have lain derelict for the past eight years and are listed on the buildings at risk register. Once restored, the Halls will include a modern public hall, cafe, 11 offices, a commercial and a community recording studio, a nursery, meeting rooms and courtyard garden.
While at Maryhill the Minister joined Ron Clarke, Operations Director, GRAHAM Construction, and signed a steel beam which forms part of structural steelwork which is ongoing at present.
Pictured above: Ron Clarke (Operations Director) Gary Holmes (Contracts Director) & John McHugh (Contracts Manager) with Minister Alex Neil during his recent visit to Maryhill Burgh Halls.