People's Palace reopening delayed to 2029 as refurbishment costs rise to £50m

City councillors will be urged to approve a request for a further £5 million in capital funding for the proposed development of the People’s Palace and Winter Garden. The approval would see the council’s contribution rise to £20.9 million of the project’s now £50 million prospective bill.

It follows last week’s commitment from the Scottish Government to provide up to £14M to support the project. The approval of the further funding could see the museum and glasshouse reopen in 2029.

The People’s Palace closed their doors to the public in April 2024 as part of a £36 million refurbishment project. It was anticipated that they would reopen in 2027—however this was said to have been pushed back “indefinitely” due to “timelines, options and cost estimates continue to evolve.”

However, in the most recent report to councillors it has been detailed that the People’s Palace and Winter Garden could re-open in December 2029. It is anticipated that the building Construction and café fitout will be complete by May 2029—with the museum and retail fit out complete in December 2029. Opening activities would then commence in December 2029.

Project costs are now estimated to have soared to £50m—a 42 per cent increase. The new figure is thought to reflect 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.

£33 million of the funding has been secured with £17 million unsecured—including the £5 million from Glasgow City Council which is set to be discussed at Thursday’s City Administration committee. Further unsecured funding could come from National Lottery Heritage Fund and Glasgow Life led Fundraising—including other public funding, Trusts, Foundations, Public Campaign.

A Stage 2 National Lottery Heritage Fund application is seeking support of £9.15M Delivery Phase funding. A site visit is understood to have taken place in August, with a final decision made, after the City Administration committee, in late-September 2026. Should the project secure the funding, the project would be 94% funded.

In a report to councillors it has been reported that the UK Government has been approached and to date has declined the offer to support the project.

The Winter Garden have remained closed since 2018 after sealant used to attach the glass to the frame reached the end of its life. In 2019, it was estimated that it would cost between £5-7.5 million to repair the glass structure.

Councillors will meet on Thursday (September 3) to discuss the proposals.