Architecture contest launched to redesign fire-damaged buildings

A competition has been launched to redesign prominent sites in Glasgow's Pollokshields area which were destroyed by two major fires.

The local authority will ask architects to submit designs for new buildings aimed at complementing the town centre at Albert Cross.

Two B-listed tenement buildings were demolished after fires in November 2019 and April 2020.

A number of designs will be short-listed and given funding to develop more detailed proposals before a winner is selected.

The successful practice will then be funded to finalise the design.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, the convener for housing, development and built heritage at the city council, said the local authority would be looking for "exceptional and exciting designs" to "restore vibrancy" to the area.

Councillors first considered the idea of a contest last year, before deciding to go ahead with the plan.

Direct intervention by the local authority with the sites will be required to cover the short to medium-term, including acquiring them on a voluntary or compulsory purchase basis.

Councillor Kelly added: "Carrying out such a contest will not only restore Albert Cross and the homes and businesses lost but will also potentially provide a template for the redevelopment of gap sites in Glasgow, sites which are often found in areas with heritage buildings immediately adjacent or close by."

Last year one of the derelict buildings collapsed, forcing nearby homes to be evacuated.

The contest will be carried out by the council in collaboration with a partner organisation, the Glasgow Institute of Architects.