Thursday March 26th 2026
Former Lyceum Cinema in Govan
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
New funding of almost £3million from the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) will allow the next steps in the regeneration of Govan through a programme of heritage projects in the area over the next five years after a Glasgow City Council committee today accepted the awards.
The NHLF and HES have both made awards of £1.49million to the Govan Heritage programme for 2026 – 2031.
The budget for the programme is £5.684million, with the remaining funding coming from Glasgow City Council (£1.525million) through existing funding sources, and £1.179million from third party contributions, subject to the participation of owners.
These heritage projects will build on the success of Townscape Heritage Initiatives in Govan in recent years, with building repairs, public realm improvements, historic shopfront improvements and architectural repairs carried out throughout the area, alongside other projects such as the Govan-Partick Bridge and the new park at the historic Govan Graving Docks.
The Govan Heritage Project aims to:
– deliver heritage-based renewal, taking a whole place approach that links project investment to the wider area regeneration, existing partnership structures and community development processes
– enable use of underused and endangered heritage buildings through providing targeted grants, supporting community ownership and partnership working with local and strategic stakeholders
– improve the sustainability of built heritage in a challenging funding environment, by taking a fabric first approach to the repair of buildings
– enhance the economic viability of repairs and maintenance by improving the wider place context and promoting the area as a place to visit and invest
– build capacity in local organisations and individuals to enable them to fully support the ongoing management and maintenance of Govan’s heritage
Future heritage projects to be delivered in Govan over the next five years include the rebirth of the Pumphouse at the Graving Docks and work at the historic Brechin’s Bar, a number of local churches, the former Lyceum cinema (pictured above) and the Fairfield Annexe.
The proposals for these projects have been developed with local people and stakeholders, and the wider programme prioritises some long-standing opportunities and threats – with some sites vacant for decades. The restoration of heritage buildings and sites to become the area’s biggest assets is key to attracting visitors to the area and improving the quality of life for residents.
A Heritage Activity and Skills Plan will also be delivered as part of the project, engaging local people and organisations to maximise heritage and building opportunities, develop careers in the heritage construction sector and increasing community pride in Govan’s outstanding built heritage.
George Gillespie, Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability at Glasgow City Council, said:
“Heritage-based regeneration projects have already contributed significantly – alongside new housing and the Govan-Partick Bridge – to the transformation of Govan in recent years. The projects over the next five years will continue this transformation, bringing new life to some of the fantastic heritage buildings and spaces found in this part of the city.”
As well as supporting the renewal and preservation of key buildings, the Govan Heritage project supports the wider area regeneration strategy by focusing on projects which will have maximum social and economic benefits for Govan. These include buildings such as Govan Old Church which holds a magnificent collection of early medieval sculpture and is developing as a visitor destination linked to the Riverside Museum and the former Lyceum Cinema which can become a major attraction within the town centre.
The former Lyceum Cinema emerged as a key priority for the local community through the consultation which was undertaken to inform the grant application. The building offers a major opportunity to support the renewal of Govan town centre and to take advantage of the improved connections and footfall created by the new Govan-Partick bridge.
A feasibility study led by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust demonstrated that a redeveloped building could operate successfully. However, given the fact that the building has been vacant for 20 years and its current condition, this will require a significant investment from public funders.
As well as providing direct funding for the Lyceum redevelopment, the Govan Heritage project will provide guidance and support to local stakeholders who are leading the process to bring the building back into use and to maximise the benefits for the local community.
The investment in the Govan Graving Docks and Pump House builds upon recent investment through the Vacant Derelict Land Investment Programme in the creation of a new Riverside park on the site.
It will also support wider plans to bring the docks back into use for community benefit and to create new active travel routes through the site, linking the Clyde waterfront between Pacific Quay and the Govan-Partick Bridge. The vision is for the Graving Docks, which have been vacant for nearly 40 years, to become a positive destination that is well used by local people and visitors.
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