Shape of things to come for Shawlands

Shaping Shawlands, hosted by the South Glasgow Heritage and Environment Trust (SGHET), was a chance to view plans for the hall, as well as ongoing developments of Glasgow city council’s £3.3 million town centre action plan.

Langside councillor and Shawlands steering group chair Archie Graham said: ““The town centre action plan is working to take Shawlands forward.

It’s going to be a busy few years as we try and get Shawlands back to its former glory.”

SGHET has been working with GCC, Glasgow Life and Collective Architecture to present a feasibility study on the renovation of Langside Hall.

Proposals include improving the foyer, installing a lift and a cafe, as well as thinning trees in front of the building.

There are further plans to bring a drinking fountain originally situated outside — now standing at Glasgow Green — back to Langside Hall.

It is hoped that the building could generate sustainable income if used for exercise classes, weddings, cultural events, children’s activities, meetings or as a community cinema.

Justin McNeil, of Collective Architecture, commented: “It’s not just about looking at the halls independently, but how they relate to Shawlands as a whole, and as a hub for the southside.”

Pupils from Shawlands Academy attended, unveiling artwork which will feature on SGHET postcards calling for more suggestions on the future of Shawlands.

The next step for SGHET and partners is establishing a collaborative trust for Langside Hall — as well as securing long-term support from the city council.

What changes would you like to see at Langside Hall? Share your thoughts by emailing Gillian (address above).