Friday June 19th 2026
Egyptian Halls, Union Street
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Glasgow needs £1 billion to bring its deteriorating historical buildings up to a “tolerable standard”.
The councillor responsible for buildings in the city revealed the figure as he said available funding for heritage properties falls far below what is needed.
Among the many high profile buildings that have badly needed repairs over the years are the demolished India Buildings and the Egyptian Halls, which now has a plan for development.
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convenor for built heritage, said there is a “heritage deficit” of £1 billion in Glasgow.
He made the comment following a query from Labour Councillor Soryia Siddique who asked how much it would cost to bring the city’s “heritage assets” to a “tolerable standard?”
Speaking at yesterdays city administration committee, Councillor Kelly said: “There is work currently being done on the heritage deficit across the city – rough estimates suggest around £1 billion.”
Pointing out it relates to all assets, not just those owned by the council, he added: “There is quite a significant gap between existing funding and what would be required overnight to change this.
” Obviously the longer things go on the more either buildings come on to the at risk register or the greater the deterioration is.”
He said available funding could amount to £25 million to £30 million a year in grant allocations.
The SNP councillor made the comments as local politicians sitting on the city administration committee approved funding to two charities – the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT) and the Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
Referring to the contribution made by the organisations in helping to address the problem of building repairs, councillor Kelly added: “That is why it is really important the work of these organisations is supported so we can do early intervention to prevent further deterioration.”
Glasgow City Heritage Trust is to receive a £240,000 grant and the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust is to get £50,000.
The Glasgow Building Preservation Trust has developed 23 historic buildings at risk, supported the development and fund raising of seven other properties and carried out over 40 feasibility studies according to the council.
The Glasgow City Heritage Trust helps property owners restore built heritage at risk, as well as a variety of outreach and heritage skills training initiatives.
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