Friday June 26th 2026
Queens Park Glasshouse
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Calls have been made for greater clarity over the future of Queen’s Park Glasshouse, after the city’s SNP group reversed a plan to shut the building.
The 19th century glasshouse was set to close permanently in August as Glasgow City Council said the cost of keeping it open had become unsustainable.
But, after campaigners protested against the closure, the SNP administration announced the glasshouse will remain open “for the foreseeable future” on Wednesday.
Protesters still held a demonstration outside the city chambers on Thursday morning — and have called for more detail on the SNP announcement.
Inside the chambers, Cllr Laura Doherty, SNP, city convener for neighbourhood services, confirmed the glasshouse will remain open while “discussions on a sustainable future continue, ensuring public access to the glasshouse and the toilets is maintained”.
Officials will “continue to engage with interested parties” through the People Make Glasgow Communities [PMGC] programme, she told councillors.
The PMGC scheme allows third sector groups to run council-owned properties. Cllr Doherty said it is “undeniable” that the glasshouse needs “significant capital investment” but reiterated the council will “keep the glasshouse open while a longer-term solution is found”.
It is understood the current opening hours of 10am to 3.30pm will remain.
But the city’s Labour group wants greater clarity on the long-term future of the glasshouse, claiming significant questions remain unanswered.
Bailie Soryia Siddique, Labour, who represents Southside Central, said: “While today’s developments are welcome, there is still a lack of detail about the council’s financial commitment and how a long-term future for the glasshouse will be secured.
“Residents deserve open, honest and transparent communication about the next steps, alongside a clear commitment on the funding needed to protect and restore this much-loved part of Glasgow’s heritage.”
Cllr Stephen Docherty, Labour’s deputy leader, who represents Langside, said it was “disappointing” that the SNP had voted against allowing extra time to discuss the issue at the council meeting today (Thursday).
Glasgow Greens co-leader, Cllr Jon Molyneux, had pushed for a time limit on questions to be suspended for the glasshouse issue due to “a considerable level of public interest” but his motion fell. He also wanted more detail on what the SNP’s announcement means, including the “operational arrangements”.
Cllr Doherty said her door was open to anyone who wanted to have further discussions on the glasshouse. She said the council has been “working tirelessly” for long-term solutions for “many, many years”.
After the decision to reverse the closure was announced, Cllr Mhairi Hunter, SNP, who represents Southside Central, said: “The engagement and passion shown by campaigners… has played a vital role in getting us to this point, and I thank campaigners for all their hard work.
Her ward colleague, Cllr Alexander Belic, SNP, said: “We know that the future of the glasshouse depends on finding the investment for the renovation of the Victorian structure, so finding a sustainable future use for the site that continues to allow for public access to this jewel of Glasgow’s heritage is vital.
“I know there is a shared appetite to make this happen and I’ll be doing what I can as part of that.”
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