Bid to transform derelict Glasgow school into housing scheme

A bid to transform the derelict Sir John Maxwell School in Glasgow’s South Side into a “self-build” housing scheme has been made to the city council.
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During last week’s full council meeting it was revealed that a housing development company had approached the local authority to use existing “dilapidated” buildings in the area, including the Pollokshaws school for its “self-build” programme.

It came as a local councillor warned the deteriorating condition of the building could see it “collapse in front of us”.

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The new plan was revealed when Bailie Kyle Thornton asked if a final decision would be considered on the immediate future of the former school.

Council officers have also continued to meet with the Sir John Stirling Maxwell Trust, a campaign group battling to save the building, but have not yet been provided with an update which gives a clear indication on how the building would be utilised, identifies the cost of refurbishing the building or where the investment would come from.

Councillor McLean said: “There has however been an approach made to officers from a company which has an innovative notion for self build housing – using the existing dilapidated buildings and the Sir John Stirling Maxwell building may represent an opportunity that would be ideal for this purpose.

“This engagement is at an early stage and there is much to do to test the concept as this could be a lifeline for the building and officers are keen to give the time and resources to explore further.”

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Attributed to architect John H. Hamilton, the three storey school which was built in 1906-07 closed its doors to the public in June 2011. Since then it has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Bailie Kyle Thornton said: “My constituents in Pollokshaws have had to live with this school decaying in front of them for the last ten years.

“I think what everyone wants is for a decision to be made. Can I ask the city convernor again if he can provide a timeline as to when this decision will be made so that people in the area have a clear indication of what’s going to happen.

“This building could very well collapse in front of us and people are very keen to know that whatever is done, is done in a safe and sustainable fashion.”

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Councillor Thornton was advised it would not be appropriate to put a definite time scale on the project at this moment in time.

Mr McLean said: “We are going the extra mile to try and find a future for this building and the work is ongoing by officers. We are all keen for this issue to be resolved as soon as is practicable.”

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