Councillors approve £5 million in additional funding for People’s Palace and Winter Garden

Councillors in Glasgow have approved a further £5 million in funding for the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Garden, taking their full support for the project to £20.9 million.

The east end attraction has faced a turbulent recent history, with the Winter Garden closing in 2018 due to issues with sealant that held the intricate windows in place, and the People’s Palace having closed in 2024 for refurbishment.

It is hoped that the approved funding will see both venues opening in 2029 - more than two years after it was projected to open.

The costs of the project have now reached more than £50 million. With the 42 per cent increase reflecting technical advice, particularly relating to “complex restoration” of the Winter Garden.

Further costs have been incurred due to construction sector inflationary pressures and an extended project programme. A total of £7.57M for inflation, optimism bias and contingency has also been included.

Questioned whether there was a sliding scale of options available, Baillie Christie said: “It's not so much options as designs. This option would be the most cost effective, the rest would be patching up.”

Councillors have approved a further £5 million in funding for the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Garden.

placeholder image — Councillors have approved a further £5 million in funding for the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Garden.

Further funding is set to come from the Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Glasgow Life led Fundraising - including other public funding, Trusts, Foundations, Public Campaign.

The UK Government has declined to commit to additional funding. Councillors called the response “disappointing”.

The much delayed project now appears to be entering its final stretch - however, questions were asked at Thursday’s City Administration committee around the possibility of further delays. Baillie Christie said she is confident of the timescales.

“Barring any worldwide events we are confident this will be delivered,” she said.

The People’s Palace and Winter Garden are two of the east end’s most loved attractions and there are hopes that the reopening will see increased commercial opportunities for Glasgow Life.

There are projections that the refurbished People’s Palace and Winter Garden could see its footfall double to around 600,000.