Steps to create new visitor experience at Glasgow City Chambers amidst discussion on charges
Steps to create a “new visitor experience” at Glasgow City Chambers while recognising the stories connected to the building are being explored, according to a local councillor.
During last week’s full council meeting it was confirmed by the city convenor for open government, councillor Greg Hepburn, that discussions on charging members of the public were ongoing but would not include guests of elected members.
It comes after councillor Jon Molyneux had asked about creating an enhanced tour and maximising the opportunities of the City Chambers during the budget meeting.
Speaking about the idea councillor Molyneux said: “This was something that the Greens pushed for in the budget and not really as a money raiser as it will generate a really small amount of income but recognising that the City Chambers is an amazing building.
“It has loads of amazing stories connected to it, it’s got amazing artwork connected to it and with the reopening of George Square this was really about us saying that we should be prouder and doing more to tell the story.
“Introducing a small charge for tours, not for Glaswegians or residents of the city, but generally for tourists.
“This is about recognising that we have an incredible asset and we could do more by introducing a charge for tourists.”
The Greens previously looked at Belfast City Hall which charges £6 for an adult and free for under 18s which is where the idea came from.
Councillor Molyneux added: “Some of the civic officers and the people who deliver the tours and look after the day to day running of the city chambers, they have ideas to go beyond that and more than what you might see on a normal tour.
“There are more stories that can be told around the City Chambers so it is about looking at all those opportunities and empowering the civic officers and valuing what they are doing better.
“Visiting is one of the top things that people coming into the city should do. I think it is a positive thing that we are trying to celebrate the city chambers more and with the reopening of George Square it just seems like the right time to do it.
“There are no firm plans yet. Officers will be looking at how to implement that. It is our hope that by the time George Square reopens we will be able to show off the Chambers in more ways than we are able to at the moment.”
As it stands free public tours are conducted twice per day at 10.30am and 2.30pm Monday – Friday and tickets for the tour can be obtained from the City Chambers reception desk 30 minutes prior to each tour commencing.
Councillor Greg Hepburn said: “Work continues in relation to this aspect of the budget, however it will not lead to charges being introduced for councillors showing guests around the city chambers.
“Rather this was exploring options to see if there are new visitor experiences that can be offered.”