Consultation launched to list historic Cranhill Water Tower
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An application to list Cranhill Water Tower has been lodged with Historic Environment Scotland.
The application to list the 1950s monument has been lodged by Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney and put forward to Historic Environment Scotland.
Mr Sweeney said he was left concerned after the water tower fell into disrepair after becoming disused by Scottish Water and the architectural lighting system disconnected. The application has been met with a positive reaction from the body responsible for Scotland’s historic buildings.
He added: “Historic Environment Scotland have agreed that the listing is worthwhile and they've recommended it goes in category B, which is a building of regional significance. Obviously as a landmark, it's really prominent on the landscape. It's in one of the highest points in the city, symbolises the post-war utopianism of Glasgow's urban planning”
Known for its distinctive square shape, it was built for the municipal water company, Glasgow Corporation Water Department and was one of the first water towers built when constructed in 1951. It is the largest in the UK. Listed status would place it in a similar category to nearby ‘sibling’ water towers at Garthamlock and Craigend.
The water tower has fallen into disrepair in recent years, according to Mr Sweeney, but it could be brought back to its former glory should it achieve listed status. In 1999, the tower was refurbished as Glasgow was named the UK City of Architecture and Design. Mr Sweeney recalls the tower as ‘absolutely spectacular. I was fascinated by it’.
He added: “I think although people dismiss it as an eyesore or not in good condition and should be demolished, I think people need to apply their imagination here and actually consider how it could look with a bit of investment, which was done in the past and can be done again.
“It just needs a decent routine of maintenance. Getting it listed, I think, is the first step because that gives you statutory protection and it also qualifies the structure for grant support to do renovations.”
He has also called on Scottish Water to re-invest in the tower.
The campaign has been backed by locals including former Scottish Water employee Peter McMahon. He was involved in the restoration of the water tower in 1999 and he said it has been an important part of the Cranhill area for many people.
He said: “I can’t imagine Cranhill being the same without that structure being there.”
He added: “It’s so iconic and it’s part of the Cranhill. Even when you’re flying into Glasgow it stands out. You know you’re almost home. I think it would just be a shame if it was demolished.”
The structure is also surrounded by sculptures by Andy Scott, best known for designing the Kelpie sculptures near Falkirk.
Mr Sweeney echoed the idea that the people of Cranhill would like to see the tower refurbished, rather than lose it forever.
He said: “Given the memory the water tower holds and people's lives who grew up in the area, or even thinking of famous people who came from Cranhill, like the AC/DC, they'd have grown up in the shadow of that water. Perhaps leaning into the area of social history would be a good thing to do as well. That's more or less my rationale behind it.
“I think brutalist structures are starting to become more fashionable again. And I think it's good to see these particularly outstanding examples in Glasgow aren't just carelessly demolished. And we'll probably come to regret it if we did get rid of it.”
A consultation on listed status has now been opened by Historic Environment Scotland and members of the public are invited to have their say.